Zohran Mamdani: A New Era for New York City Begins

Zohran Mamdani has been inaugurated as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, promising sweeping reforms to address the city's high cost of living. His focus will be on making housing affordable, alongside tackling routine urban challenges. Tensions with President Trump loom, despite recent cordial interactions.

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor on Thursday, promising transformative changes for a city grappling with high living costs. Underneath City Hall at a decommissioned subway station, Mamdani took his oath on a Quran, marking a historic moment in the city's political landscape.

The ceremony, characterized by calls for change, included U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders administering a second oath. Emphasizing affordable living in one of the world's priciest cities, Mamdani's platform proposes initiatives like free childcare, free buses, and a rent freeze.

Despite rising from a post-COVID slump, challenges remain, including potential clashes with President Trump and criticisms from the city's Jewish community concerning his views on Israel. Nonetheless, Mamdani's victory signals a shift towards bold, ambitious leadership in response to New York's evolving needs.

(With inputs from agencies.)