Former Governor George Pataki commended President Trump for his actions in ending congestion pricing and emphasized the need for New York to implement its own cost-cutting version of DOGE. Pataki criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s desire for the $9 toll to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, stating that New York already receives too much money from taxpayers. He advocated for more efficiency in government rather than raising taxes to address the financial issues faced by the state.
The former governor expressed concerns over the MTA’s continued requests for additional capital funding from Albany, far beyond what is generated from the congestion toll. He described these requests as unsustainable and highlighted the need for more responsible financial management. Despite the legal battle to maintain congestion pricing, Pataki voiced his support for Trump’s decision to rescind the toll and echoed the need for more cost-cutting measures in New York.
While praising Trump for his stance on congestion pricing, Pataki criticized the former president’s approach to negotiations in ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Drawing parallels to former President Joe Biden’s handling of the Hamas-Israel conflict, Pataki accused Trump of putting undue pressure on Ukraine rather than on Russia and Vladimir Putin, who initiated the conflict. He stressed the importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions and working towards a reasonable peace settlement.
Pataki emphasized the urgency of pressuring Putin and Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine, describing Putin as a “killer” who is anti-American and anti-civilization. He questioned Trump’s focus on Zelensky and Ukraine instead of targeting the real perpetrators of the war. Pataki highlighted the need for a shift in strategy to end the conflict, pointing out that the focus should be on holding Russia accountable for their actions rather than pressuring Ukraine.
The White House was contacted for comment on these matters, as tensions between Washington and Kyiv continued to escalate. Trump’s attempts to negotiate peace deals with Russia drew criticism, with accusations that his approach favored Moscow over Kyiv. However, reports emerged suggesting that the Trump administration was nearing a deal with Ukraine for access to mineral rights, potentially bringing an end to the war. The ongoing conflict between Washington and Kyiv remained a significant concern, with efforts being made to resolve the situation diplomatically.
As discussions and negotiations unfolded between the US and Ukraine, Trump’s controversial statements on social media further fueled tensions. His criticism of Zelensky and accusations of being a dictator without elections raised eyebrows, especially given the delicate nature of the conflict. Pataki and other critics expressed concerns over Trump’s focus on Ukraine rather than on holding Russia accountable for the conflict. The need for a more measured and strategic approach to resolving the conflict in Ukraine remained a key concern for policymakers and observers alike.
