President-elect Donald Trump told The Post on Thursday that he opposes Gov. Kathy Hochul’s revived plan for congestion pricing for vehicles that drive through certain parts of New York City, calling it the “most regressive tax known to womankind.”
The Democratic governor is proposing a $9 toll — after an earlier plan for $15 fees went down in flames amid a middle- and working-class outcry.
“I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to Make New York and America Great Again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” said Trump, 78.
“It has never worked, but especially so with a city, town, or village that is trying to come back from very rough times, which can certainly be said of New York City. It will put New York City at a disadvantage over competing cities and states, and businesses will flee.”
Trump, whose populist platform of tax breaks for workers and retirees helped secure his return to the White House, said it would be those struggling to make ends meet who would suffer most.
“Not only is this a massive tax to people coming in, it is extremely inconvenient from both driving and personal bookkeeping standards. It will be virtually impossible for New York City to come back as long as the congestion tax is in effect,” he said.
“It will hurt workers, families, and businesses, but in particular, anything to do with jobs. It is the most regressive tax known to womankind (man!).”
Trump and Hochul have been sharply at odds over the years, but had a warm phone call after the Republican won the Nov. 5 election over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Hochul, 66, has the power to pardon Trump of his May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal reimbursement of 2016 hush money payments — should Judge Juan Merchan not dismiss the case outright pending sentencing later this month.
Trump’s ambitious tax-reform plans call for eliminating the $10,000 State and Local Tax (SALT) federal tax deduction cap — which hits New Yorkers particularly hard –– as well as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits.
Hochul’s revived congestion pricing plan intends to address some concerns about impacts on lower-income people, though implementation could be difficult.
The new plan includes a 50% discount that would be available to people who earn under $50,000 a year and take effect after 10 trips in any month.
The scheme is aimed to alleviate both congestion and the environmental effects of idling cars, was pitched by the Democrat as a bargain compared to the earlier plan.
“This lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1,500 annually, and that kind of money makes a big difference for our families,” Hochul said.
Proceeds would fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which manages the subway system, city buses and commuter rail lines, including the Long Island Rail Road.
The area where drivers would face tolls, known as the Congestion Relief Zone, encompasses Midtown and Lower Manhattan south of 60th Street.
Some regional Democrats strongly oppose the concept, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, whose administration filed a lawsuit last year arguing the earlier version of the plan violated the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which gives the federal government the power to regulate trade across state lines.
It’s not immediately clear whether the incoming Trump administration would join that lawsuit or file its own action to halt the tolls.