Mamdani Moves Into Gracie Mansion While Trump Rips Into Him Over Congestion Pricing

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and First Lady Rama Duwaji officially moved into Gracie Mansion, the 227-year-old mayoral residence, on Monday.

Despite the move, the socialist mayor promised that living in a historic landmark would not change his hands-on approach to city life. “While there is no security deposit being put down today, Rama and I intend to strive each day to be the best possible custodians of this beautiful home, because we know that we are only its temporary occupants,” he said.”

Mamdani confirmed he would continue to commute using the subway, buses, and city bikes from his new home near Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street in Yorkville. His wife initially expressed hesitation about leaving their rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens, but the couple ultimately decided that security concerns made the move necessary.

During the move, Mamdani joked about the mansion’s rumored hauntings, quipping, “I haven’t yet met the ghost or heard from the ghost,” and hinted that he plans to adopt a cat once his allergy shots take effect. “I am currently getting my allergy shots so that I can fight off my allergy to cats. That’s the hope.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continued his criticism of New York City leadership, framing the city’s administration as failing under what he sees as misguided policies. On Monday, he attacked Manhattan’s congestion pricing as a “disaster,” writing on Truth Social: “Congestion Pricing in Manhattan is a DISASTER for New York. It’s got to be ended, IMMEDIATELY! It’s never worked before, and it will never work now. I love New York, and hate to see it being destroyed so rapidly with such obviously foolish ‘policy.’ Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump’s comments arrive as federal courts prepare to hear arguments over whether his administration can terminate the program, which charges drivers up to $27 to enter Manhattan. Despite threats to withhold federal funding and approvals for New York projects, the state and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have sued to prevent the toll program’s cancellation, with oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 28.

The congestion pricing program, which went into effect earlier this month, has drawn mixed reactions. Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA officials say it has reduced traffic, while critics argue it merely raises costs for commuters and businesses without significantly easing congestion. Delivery trucks, for example, face tolls as high as $21.60 per trip into the zone south of 60th Street, passing on those costs to consumers.