ASIATODAY.ID, NEW YORK – Zohran Mamdani has been officially sworn in as New York City’s 110th mayor, making history as the city’s first Muslim leader and the first African-born American of Indian descent to hold the office in the largest city in the United States.
The 34-year-old democratic socialist took his oath of office shortly after midnight on a centuries-old Quran, during a symbolic ceremony held inside a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall on Thursday.
Later in the day, Mamdani delivered a public inaugural address outside City Hall before a crowd of roughly 4,000 supporters, using the moment to firmly outline his political vision.
“My fellow New Yorkers — today begins a new era,” Mamdani declared in his nearly 25-minute speech.
“I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles out of fear of being labeled radical.”
A Progressive Agenda and a Challenge to the Elite
Mamdani pledged to pursue universal childcare, a citywide rent freeze, free public buses, and higher taxes on the wealthiest residents to fund his ambitious social agenda. He explicitly rejected the influence of wealth and corporate power in city governance.
“I will answer to the people — not to any billionaire or oligarch who believes they can buy our democracy,” he said.
The inauguration was attended by prominent progressive figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who administered the public oath, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who described Mamdani’s election as a response to “untenable and unprecedented times.”
Political Controversy and Israel Stance
Mamdani’s rise has been accompanied by sharp political controversy. He has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, repeatedly characterizing it as “genocide.” During the campaign, he also pledged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York, citing an International Criminal Court warrant.
In response to Mamdani’s impending inauguration, outgoing mayor Eric Adams issued executive orders opposing divestment from Israel and restricting protests near houses of worship.
Trump Softens His Tone
President Donald Trump, who previously branded Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and threatened to cut federal funding to New York, adopted a noticeably different tone following a White House meeting last November.
“Some of my views have changed… I feel very confident that he can do a very good job,” Trump said.
Mamdani described the meeting as “productive,” though he later reiterated that he still considers Trump a “fascist.”
A Promise of Unity
Despite his uncompromising political stance, Mamdani struck a unifying note in his inaugural remarks, vowing to represent all New Yorkers.
“Regardless of our differences, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never hide from you,” he said.
Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration marks a pivotal moment in New York City’s political history — signaling a bold, progressive shift in leadership that is already drawing national and international attention. (AT Network)
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