The White House has stirred controversy by posting an image of President Donald Trump depicted as a king on social media, following his decision to block New York City’s congestion pricing plan.
Trump’s ‘King’ Image Sparks Reactions
The official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) shared what appeared to be an AI-generated magazine cover featuring Trump in royal regalia. The post read: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
The image was a clear reference to Trump’s recent announcement that his administration was putting an end to NYC’s controversial congestion pricing plan, which would have charged vehicles entering Manhattan’s busiest areas.
Supporters Cheer, Critics Sound Alarms
Trump’s supporters celebrated the post, with many praising his decision to halt what they saw as an unnecessary tax on drivers. Some even embraced the king imagery, with one social media user writing: “LONG LIVE THE KING! The only leader who can save America from the radical left!”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich also posted a different AI-generated image of Trump in full coronation attire, adding fuel to the debate.
However, critics saw the imagery as troubling, arguing that it reinforced fears that Trump is consolidating power and overstepping legal boundaries. Many pointed out that the United States was founded on principles rejecting monarchy.
Democratic Leaders Push Back
The backlash was swift, particularly from Democratic officials. New York Governor Kathy Hochul fired back: “Donald Trump isn’t a king, and we won’t let him use New Yorkers as roadkill on his revenge tour. We’ll see him in court.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who has been vocal about concerns over congestion pricing, also reacted but took a more measured tone. He thanked Trump for blocking the current plan, saying: “While I’ve always been open to a form of congestion pricing, the current program simply punishes New Jersey commuters while lining the MTA’s pockets.”
Other political leaders weren’t as reserved. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, in a recent dialogue, declared: “We don’t have kings in America. I won’t bend the knee to one.”
Legal Challenges Ahead
Legal experts believe New York will challenge Trump’s order in court, as state officials argue that years of negotiations with the federal government went into designing the congestion pricing system.
Jon Orcutt, a former policy director at the NYC Department of Transportation, told Newsweek: “New York worked with the federal government for years on this plan. My sincerely hope is that Governor Hochul will go to court and keep congestion pricing running.”
Political analyst Brian Allen also weighed in, calling the White House’s post “a full-blown power grab wrapped in authoritarian cosplay.” He added: “The courts exist for a reason, but Trump is acting like a king with a Sharpie.”
What’s Next?
With legal challenges expected, the fate of NYC’s congestion pricing remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Trump’s latest move has reignited fierce debate about executive power—and the president seems more than willing to embrace the fight.
