In a notable Oval Office meeting on Friday, President Trump and New York Governor Kathy Hochul engaged in what was described as a "productive" dialogue, focusing on key issues such as congestion pricing and the redevelopment of Penn Station.
This encounter, as reported by The New York Post, comes amid escalating tensions between the two leaders, particularly following federal actions against New York's congestion pricing and its sanctuary city policies for illegal immigrants.
Governor Hochul, who had previously positioned herself as a prominent figure in the anti-Trump "resistance," appeared to soften her stance following the meeting. A spokesperson for Hochul confirmed that the discussions spanned various topics, including tariffs and energy policy. "While no formal agreements or decisions were reached, it was a productive conversation and we look forward to continuing the dialogue in the coming weeks," the spokesperson stated. However, the statement did not delve into specific outcomes of the talks.
The backdrop to this meeting includes a looming deadline from the Federal Highway Administration, which has mandated the cessation of the $9 toll on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street by March 21. Despite this, Hochul and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials are actively contesting the federal directive in court, determined to maintain the toll collection.
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