President Trump on Thursday decried the impending New York City Council vote to ban horse-drawn carriages, calling the move a politically motivated end to a beloved tradition. The council is expected to pass the measure on Thursday, with the ban set to take effect in 2028.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump lamented the loss of the carriage industry in Central Park, which has operated for over a century. He argued that the ban is an overreaction to a single tragic incident, noting that car accidents in the park do not lead to calls to ban automobiles.
“So sad to see the beloved Central Park Horse-drawn Carriage Industry ending after over a Century, based largely on one tragic accident,” he wrote. “When there is a car accident in the area, of which there are many, they don’t stop cars from entering the Park.”
He added, “So why would they stop the Carriages? It was a Great Tradition. Another piece of History that’s gone. It will be missed!” In a second post, he said, “The Horse-drawn Carriage in New York City is a quintessential New York experience. So sad that, for political reasons, we will see it go!”
The legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, is named after 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, who died last year after he stepped off a carriage and the horse bolted through the park without the driver. The incident reignited long-standing criticism from animal welfare advocates who argue the horses endure harsh conditions and unsafe working environments.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) welcomed the move, stating, “The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City. Our administration will make sure workers and owners are protected and the horses are safe.” The law would require the mayor’s office to submit a plan by April to help carriage drivers transition to other employment, according to reports.
The ban marks the culmination of years of efforts to shut down the industry, which has been a fixture in the city for more than 150 years. Supporters of the ban cite safety concerns and animal welfare, while opponents, including Trump, argue it erases a piece of the city’s cultural heritage.
Trump’s criticism comes amid broader political battles over urban policy and tradition. His remarks echo his frequent attacks on Democratic governance in New York City, a theme he has used to rally supporters ahead of upcoming elections. The vote is expected to proceed despite his objections.
The decision is likely to resonate in national politics, as Trump continues to position himself against progressive policies in major cities. The carriage ban is expected to be a talking point in his campaign appearances, particularly as he seeks to appeal to voters who value traditional American icons.
