Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York's first Muslim mayor; 34-year-old took oath of office at abandoned subway stop

Zohran Mamdani, a rising figure on the American left, was sworn in early Thursday as New York City’s mayor for a four-year term that is expected to bring frequent clashes with President Donald Trump. The 34-year-old Democrat took the oath of office just after midnight at an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall, marking a symbolic start to his tenure. Mamdani now leads the nation’s largest city and makes history as New York’s first Muslim mayor, signaling a major political shift in the city’s leadership.

The ceremony marked the end of Mamdani’s yearlong rise from a little-known state lawmaker to an international political figure. His victory has inspired New Yorkers and supporters across the country, who followed his path to becoming the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. A public inauguration is scheduled for 1 PM Thursday on the steps of City Hall. The event will include appearances by two leading progressive figures: Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who will deliver a ceremonial oath of office, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who will offer the opening remarks.



According to New York Times, more than 1.1 million New Yorkers voted for him, largely because of his promises to address the city’s growing affordability crisis, which has made one of the world’s most expensive cities nearly impossible for many working people to live in. No New York City mayor has received that many votes since the 1960s.

The city has also faced a difficult decade, even before rising inflation pushed living costs even higher. The COVID-19 pandemic hit New York hard, emptying office buildings and subway lines after devastating its neighborhoods. At the same time, states like Texas and Florida have actively tried to attract wealthy residents away from New York by offering warmer weather and lower taxes.

One of the most surprising moments came last month when Mamdani met President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. For months, Trump had warned that he would withhold billions in federal funding and even deploy the National Guard if Mamdani were elected.

However, the tone of the meeting was unexpectedly friendly. Standing beside Mamdani, Trump said he expected to support the new mayor rather than oppose him, calling himself 'a big help'. Mamdani appeared reserved during the exchange, but the meeting marked a sharp shift from the president’s earlier threats.