Social Media Erupts as Trump Proclaims 'Long Live the King' on Official Accounts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has declared the termination of New York City's congestion pricing program, referring to himself as "the king" in official communications. On February 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean P. Duffy, rescinded federal approval for the toll system, which had been implemented on January 5, 2025. The program imposed a $9 fee on vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and fund mass transit. Secretary Duffy described the toll as "a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners."

Following the announcement, President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, proclaiming, "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" The official White House social media accounts further amplified this message by sharing an AI-generated image, in the style of a TIME Magazine cover, depicting President Trump wearing a crown, accompanied by the caption "Long live the king."

Public reactions to President Trump's self-designation as "the king" have been polarized. One social media user remarked, "Can you IMAGINE if Biden or Obama posted photos of themselves in a king's crown from official accounts?! Articles of impeachment for treason would be IMMEDIATE and they’d yap about this on Fox for YEARS. This is not funny at all and should be extremely alarming to everyone regardless of political affiliation." This comment received significant engagement, reflecting widespread concern over the implications of Trump's rhetoric.

On the other side of the debate, another user praised Trump's decision, writing, "Dear President Trump, On behalf of all hardworking New Yorkers who drive for a living, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your decisive action in rescinding the congestion pricing toll in Manhattan. Since its implementation on January 5, 2025, this toll imposed a significant financial burden on those of us who rely on our vehicles daily, with fees reaching up to $27 to enter areas below 60th Street. Your administration’s recognition of the challenges faced by working-class citizens and small business owners has provided much-needed relief. By halting this program, you’ve alleviated an undue strain on our livelihoods, especially during these times of economic uncertainty."

A more critical perspective was shared by another user, who commented, "When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace turns into a circus." This remark resonated with many who viewed the post as undermining democratic norms.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded swiftly, emphasizing the state's autonomy and commitment to the rule of law. At a press conference held at Grand Central Terminal, she stated, "New York hasn't labored under a king in over 250 years, and we sure as hell are not going to start now." Governor Hochul also announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the administration's decision, vowing to continue the toll program during the legal proceedings.

The congestion pricing initiative had shown early signs of success, with reports indicating a 9% reduction in traffic and improved bus speeds since its inception. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber highlighted these achievements, noting, "Traffic was down 9% in January, with 1.2 million fewer vehicles entering the central business district."

The reactions to the social media post and Trump's language reflect the intense political and social divide surrounding his administration's actions and public communication style. Some see the rhetoric as a bold assertion of leadership, while others view it as an alarming step away from democratic norms.

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