The inauguration of New York City's first Muslim mayor was marked by visible political tension on Thursday, as the wife of a top Democrat lawmaker seemed to openly display her disapproval. Iris Weinshall, the 72-year-old spouse of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, was captured scowling during the swearing-in ceremony of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in Bryant Park.
A Stark Contrast in Reactions
Weinshall was seated beside former Mayor Eric Adams, both sharing the same Democratic party affiliation as Mamdani. However, their stern expressions formed a stark contrast to the beaming smiles of progressive Democrats like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, who sat in the row directly in front. The visual divide highlighted the deep internal party fissures over Mamdani's political stance, particularly regarding Israel.
The new mayor is a staunch supporter of Palestine and has pledged to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York City. This position has drawn criticism from Schumer and Adams, both vocal supporters of Israel. Schumer notably refused to endorse Mamdani during the mayoral race and declined to reveal his vote.
Policy Promises and Political Divides
In his inaugural speech, the 34-year-old Mamdani, one of the youngest individuals to hold the office, committed to governing as a democratic socialist. He vowed to prove wrong the naysayers who claim left-wing politicians cannot govern effectively. "I was elected as a Democratic Socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist," he declared, framing his administration as "a government of New York, by New York, and for New York."
His policy platform includes ambitious pledges such as offering free citywide daycare and free bus services. To fund these initiatives, Mamdani plans to enact a tax on millionaires—a move critics warn could drive wealthier residents out of the city, potentially undermining a key tax revenue base.
Mamdani also reached out to voters who supported Donald Trump in the presidential election but backed him for mayor, acknowledging their primary concern was the rocketing cost of living.
Controversy and Defence
The new mayor has faced accusations of antisemitism due to his pro-Palestinian advocacy and his refusal to condemn the phrase 'Globalize the Intifada,' which many in the Jewish community interpret as a call for violence. Mamdani insists he is not antisemitic.
Weinshall, who serves as the chief operating officer of the New York Public Library, and her husband Senator Schumer embodied the scepticism of the party's establishment wing. Meanwhile, Mamdani's wife, 28-year-old Rama Duwaji, now becomes the youngest First Lady in the city's history.
The ceremony and the reactions it provoked underscore the significant ideological battle within the Democratic Party, setting the stage for a mayoralty that promises to be as controversial as it is historic for New York City.
