New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Faces Sharp Criticism After Inaugural Reversals

By Jim Thomas | Thursday, January 1, 2026

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the democratic socialist used his inauguration to reject free markets and roll back policies put in place by his predecessor. Lawler said these moves underscore a radical shift in city leadership as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Speaking following Mamdani’s inauguration on Thursday, Lawler stated that the new mayor’s rhetoric and early actions marked a dramatic departure from past leadership in the nation’s largest city.

Lawler responded to a question referencing Mamdani’s language at the ceremony, which critics compared to themes associated with socialist ideology.

“It’s truly mind-boggling,” he said. “As a lifelong New Yorker, it’s stunning that this is where we are as we approach the 25th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11. He just appointed as his chief counsel an attorney who represented 9/11-linked al-Qaida terrorists.”

Mamdani has selected Ramzi Kassem as chief counsel, a lawyer known for representing clients including Ahmed al-Darbi, a close associate of Osama bin Laden convicted in the bombing of a French oil tanker, and Columbia University student protester Mahmoud Khalil.

Lawler noted that Mamdani’s first act was to repeal executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams, including defining antisemitism and ensuring departments enforce that definition. He also criticized Mamdani for his clear embrace of democratic socialist views during the ceremony, which took place with progressive figures Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez present.

Mamdani, sworn in outside City Hall, used his inaugural address to frame his election as a rejection of free-market principles and an embrace of democratic socialism. He pledged that he will govern as a democratic socialist and not moderate his views despite criticism.

“I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” Mamdani stated in his address. “I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical.”