At a Glance
- New Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins his first full day riding the subway, revoking Israel-related orders.
- He pledges a legal fight against a Brooklyn landlord and launches a mass-engagement office.
- He will move to the mayor’s Upper East Side residence before his Queens lease ends.
- Why it matters: These early moves set the tone for his administration’s priorities and public engagement.
After a historic inauguration, Zohran Mamdani starts his first full day of mayoral duties, blending a routine subway commute with policy actions that signal his focus on representation and policy reversal.
Commute and Symbolism
Mamdani rode the Manhattan-bound train from his Queens apartment, taking selfies with commuters, reviewing briefing materials, and introducing himself to French tourists. The images spread online, underscoring his pledge to “look and live like the people it represents.”
- Traveled from a one-bedroom apartment in Queens
- Took selfies with wide-eyed riders
- Reviewed briefing notes in a corner seat
- Showed the New York Daily News to tourists
Early Actions
After the inauguration ceremony, Mamdani rushed to a Brooklyn apartment lobby, where tenants’ union supporters cheered as he vowed to intensify the city’s legal fight against the landlord. He then addressed the revoked executive orders related to Israel.
- Revoked two orders from the previous mayor
- One order adopted a definition of antisemitism that includes criticism of Israel
- The other barred city agencies from boycotting or divesting from Israel
Policy Reversals
When a journalist asked about the revoked orders, Mamdani read prepared remarks, promising a relentless effort to combat hate and division. He retained the Office to Combat Antisemitism while announcing a new mass-engagement office to expand civic participation.
Mamdani stated:
> “We have an opportunity where New Yorkers are allowing themselves to believe in the possibility of city government once again.”
Future Plans
Mamdani will move to the mayor’s official residence in the Upper East Side before the lease on his Queens apartment ends later this month.
Key Takeaways
- Mamdani’s first day blends public transit visibility with policy reversal.
- He has revoked Israel-related orders, sparking backlash but reaffirming his anti-hate stance.
- He is expanding civic engagement through a new office while preparing to relocate.
The new mayor’s early actions highlight his commitment to a government that mirrors its constituents and a willingness to reverse controversial policies.
