President Trump has deployed one of his most trusted lawyers to take on New York City's congestion pricing plan, in a last-ditch effort to kill the scheme. Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General Eric Hamilton is leading the charge, bringing with him a track record of defending some of the Trump administration's most contentious orders.
Hamilton's appointment comes as part of a federal court case brought by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over its right to impose the $9 base toll for driving below 60th Street in Manhattan. The MTA had previously collected $562 million in revenue from the tolls, which are set to finance mass transit upgrades.
Despite Trump's repeated claims that congestion pricing is "dead," Hamilton's assignment suggests that the administration still sees it as a priority. In his first appearance in federal court, Hamilton reiterated arguments that have already been met with skepticism by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman.
The case has become increasingly contentious, with Manhattan judges and former federal prosecutors questioning the government's strategy. Richman, a Columbia University law professor, noted that the government may "take some hits" for deploying lawyers like Hamilton in high-profile cases.
As the fight over congestion pricing continues, it remains to be seen whether Hamilton's efforts will ultimately prevail. The plan has already sparked controversy and resistance from many New Yorkers, with Governor Kathy Hochul insisting that the tolling "cameras are staying on."
Hamilton's appointment comes as part of a federal court case brought by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over its right to impose the $9 base toll for driving below 60th Street in Manhattan. The MTA had previously collected $562 million in revenue from the tolls, which are set to finance mass transit upgrades.
Despite Trump's repeated claims that congestion pricing is "dead," Hamilton's assignment suggests that the administration still sees it as a priority. In his first appearance in federal court, Hamilton reiterated arguments that have already been met with skepticism by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman.
The case has become increasingly contentious, with Manhattan judges and former federal prosecutors questioning the government's strategy. Richman, a Columbia University law professor, noted that the government may "take some hits" for deploying lawyers like Hamilton in high-profile cases.
As the fight over congestion pricing continues, it remains to be seen whether Hamilton's efforts will ultimately prevail. The plan has already sparked controversy and resistance from many New Yorkers, with Governor Kathy Hochul insisting that the tolling "cameras are staying on."
oh man this is getting interesting! 
So Trump thinks he can just send his go-to lawyer to save the day? 
Meanwhile, Richman's right though - the gov might take some Ls 
on this one. I mean, it's not like they're gonna win or anything... 
still, it'll be fun to watch Hamilton duke it out with Judge Liman 
and all those NYC judges 
. Can't wait for the next court hearing 
- will there even be a next one? 
newsflash: NYC doesn't exactly love him (imo) and judges already aren't buying what he's selling 
. The real question is, how far will this fight go and who's going to come out on top? Can we just get some answers around here? 
Trumps team thinks they can just swoop in here and try to kill congestion pricing like it's some kind of joke? Newsflash Eric Hamilton: NYC isnt going anywhere 
. We've been saying no to these tolls for years and we're not about to let you lot shut us down now. I mean what's next, trying to ban pizza or something? It's just common sense, people have a right to drive where they want on their own streets. The MTA is gonna collect that money regardless of what Trump says, it's just a matter of time before they come back with another plan and we'll be stuck in traffic all over again 
And what's with the $9 base toll? Do you know how many people are struggling to make ends meet around here? It's just so unfair. I'm calling on Kathy Hochul to step up her game and find a way to make this work for everyone, not just the rich folks who can afford it 
i feel bad for eric hamilton, he's gotta deal with so much backlash from ppl who aren't even affected by this 
. Those tolls are gonna pay for themselves, and if some lawyers have to get knocked around to make it happen, so be it 
. Plus, it's not like Trump didn't win the whole presidential thing by being a master of making waves, so I think he's all in on this one 
. Bring it on, I say! 
And don't even get me started on the toll cameras staying on... come on, Governor Hochul, can we please just have some transparency around this thing?