Giuliani Condemns Mamdani’s Inauguration for Refusing to Seek Common Ground

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani sharply criticized new mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration and ideological message Thursday, stating that Mamdani has made it clear he intends to govern for a political faction rather than the entire city.

During an interview, Giuliani contrasted Mamdani’s remarks with his own approach after taking office in 1994. He emphasized that he was elected as a Republican and declared at his inauguration: “I’m going to govern for all the people because now there are no Republicans, no Democrats, no liberals, no conservatives. Every one of you is a New Yorker.”

Giuliani noted that his administration successfully guided New York City through years of rising crime and economic decline by focusing on all residents. He added: “I didn’t go pick out the Republicans and just help them. That’s what I got to fight for: all of you.”

Mamdani, who was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor earlier that day, declared during his inauguration he was elected as a democratic socialist and would govern accordingly. Giuliani stated this signals a refusal to seek common ground. “There’s no hope until he’s gone,” Giuliani said. “He made it clear he’s not going to go to the middle.”

The former mayor highlighted that past leaders from both parties have attempted moderation after elections, even when campaigning from ideological extremes. “How many people have won from the right or the left and they make some attempt to try to go to the middle?” Giuliani asked. “He basically told you, go to hell.”

Mamdani, 34, is New York City’s first Muslim and openly socialist mayor and the youngest to take office in more than a century. His inauguration and policy agenda have drawn strong reactions from business leaders, conservatives, and political opponents across the city.