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Democrat Zahran Mamdani, outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump, officially assumes office as mayor of New York on Thursday, facing wide range of challenges.
Elected in November on left-wing platform, 34-year-old Mamdani takes oath of office at historic subway station in Manhattan during brief ceremony overseen by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, prominent Trump adversary who won fraud case against him in 2024.
First Muslim mayor of New York, Mamdani swears oath on copy of Quran carried by his wife, Syrian-origin artist Rama Douji. Quran once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, leading cultural figure in Harlem and pioneer historian of African American history, who died in 1938.
Mamdani explains choice of abandoned Old City subway station, dating back to 1904, as symbol of city that dared to be beautiful while capable of changing lives of working class.
Oath taken at midnight as thousands celebrate New Year in Times Square. Larger ceremony scheduled at City Hall later in day, led by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, followed by mass public celebration along Broadway.
Elected on platform openly opposing Trump, particularly on economy and immigration, Mamdani later visits White House for talks with president in unexpectedly cordial atmosphere.
Uncertainty remains over whether Trump abandons past threats to deploy National Guard to New York or cut federal funding. Analysts warn Trump administration could still pressure city through immigration enforcement.
Voters expect new mayor to confront White House firmly. His performance will be closely watched by Democrats ahead of midterm congressional elections.
Mamdani builds campaign on tackling cost of living, especially housing, in city of 8.5 million residents. Previous mayor Eric Adams, whose tenure marred by corruption allegations, attempts to block key measure to freeze rents for more than one million apartments.
Details of Mamdani’s other pledges remain unclear, including building 200,000 affordable housing units, universal childcare, public discount grocery stores, and free public transport.
At 34, Mamdani becomes one of youngest mayors in New York history, having previously served only as state assembly representative. Despite criticism over limited experience, he surrounds himself with seasoned team, including figures from previous administrations, and opens dialogue with business community.
AFP