Socialist Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as NYC Mayor in Daytime Ceremony

Zohran Mamdani was publicly sworn in Thursday as the 112th mayor of New York City, ushering in a new era of far-left governance for the five boroughs. The 34-year-old self-described democratic socialist, who becomes the city’s first Muslim mayor, took the oath of office administered by Senator Bernie Sanders on the steps of City Hall, after a smaller ceremony at midnight. Other progressive figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended.

While the inauguration ceremony was filled with rhetoric about “freedom” and “abundance,” Mamdani’s ascent to City Hall has drawn sharp criticism and deep concern from many New Yorkers, particularly regarding his radical stances on law enforcement and his troubling history of statements regarding anti-Israel extremism.

In his inaugural address, Mamdani did not shy away from his socialist roots, declaring, “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” He explicitly rejected the idea that the era of big government is over, promising that his administration would not hesitate to use state power to “tax the wealthiest few” to fund universal programs.
Critics, however, point to his controversial record on public safety. Mamdani has previously advocated for “defunding the police,” a stance that has raised alarms among residents concerned about crime rates and the stability of the NYPD. His speech today emphasized that he would “not abandon [his] principles,” suggesting that his administration may pursue these drastic cuts to law enforcement funding despite widespread opposition.

Perhaps most concerning to the Jewish community is Mamdani’s consistent refusal to distance himself from violent anti-Israel rhetoric. Throughout his political career, Mamdani has declined opportunities to denounce the slogan “globalize the intifada,” a call to violence against Jews and Israelis worldwide.
Furthermore, Mamdani has previously expressed “love” for the “Holy Land 5,” a group of men convicted in federal court of funneling millions of dollars to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. His support for individuals convicted of financing terror remains a focal point of concern for Jewish leaders and security experts in the city.

The concerns over Mamdani’s associations were underscored by those present at the inauguration. Mahmoud Khalil, a known Hamas supporter and former Columbia University graduate student, was spotted at City Hall attending the event. Khalil served as a lead negotiator for the disruptive 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampment protests and was previously the subject of deportation discussions under the Trump administration.

The atmosphere at the inauguration reflected the city’s divisions. When Mamdani mentioned former Mayor Eric Adams during his speech, a significant portion of the crowd booed.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who administered the oath, praised Mamdani’s victory as “the biggest political upset in modern American history,” framing it as a triumph for the working class. However, Mamdani’s promise to “reset” the city’s expectations was met with skepticism by those wary of his economic policies, including rent freezes and the elimination of bus fares, which economists warn could strain the city’s budget.

Amidst the pomp, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine was sworn in as the New York City Comptroller, formally becoming the current highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the city government. Levine took his oath of office upon a Chumash, administered by Attorney General Letitia James.

As the confetti cleared from the “Canyon of Heroes,” New York City faces an uncertain future under an administration openly committed to a socialist overhaul and led by a mayor whose past statements on policing and Israel continue to cast a long shadow over City Hall. As Mamdani himself stated in his closing remarks, “The work, my friends, has only just begun.”