Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as NYC’s Historic New Mayor Amid Viral Moments and Bold Vision

On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was officially inaugurated as the 112th mayor of New York City, marking a historic milestone as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor in the city’s history. The ceremony, held at City Hall, drew prominent figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, underscoring Mamdani’s roots in the democratic socialist movement. Mamdani, a 34-year-old former state assemblymember, took the oath of office on two Qurans, symbolizing his Ugandan-Indian heritage and faith, despite facing Islamophobic backlash online.

The inauguration quickly went viral, particularly for a brief hand gesture Mamdani made during his address—extending his arm outward after placing his hand on his heart. Social media users, especially from conservative circles, drew parallels to a similar motion by Elon Musk at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025, which had sparked widespread accusations of a “Nazi salute” from legacy media outlets. Clips of Mamdani’s gesture circulated rapidly on platforms like X, with some labeling it a “salute” and accusing media of hypocrisy for their silence compared to the intense scrutiny Musk faced. Musk himself highlighted the double standard, calling out “lying propagandists” in the press for selective outrage. Defenders argued both instances were innocent expressions of enthusiasm or gratitude, not fascist symbols.

Dude whose family is from India, and he was raised in Uganda, tells Americans what he plans to do to them.

Zohran Mamdani: “We Will Replace The Rigidity Of Rugged Individualism With The Warmth Of Collectivism”pic.twitter.com/pZfNkCPD7b

— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) January 1, 2026

AOC: “Zohran Mamdani will be the first Muslim mayor of our great city.”

*crowd erupts*

He was just sworn in on the Quran.

New York, we tried to warn you.
pic.twitter.com/cGYaKpThR1

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 1, 2026

Watch as Zohran Mamdani swears to follow the Constitution as a communist.

You can’t have it both ways… pic.twitter.com/ceNlB3fCDK

— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) January 2, 2026

In his inaugural speech, Mamdani outlined an ambitious agenda, vowing to “govern expansively and audaciously” with a focus on housing, public trust, and collective action. A particularly divisive line came when he declared, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism,” framing his administration’s philosophy as one prioritizing community over self-reliance. This rhetoric drew sharp criticism from conservatives, who warned of “sinister undertones” and historical associations with coercive ideologies, while supporters praised it as a call for equity and solidarity. Mamdani also referenced rapper Jadakiss, emphasizing that his government would “be outside” engaging directly with New Yorkers.

Post-ceremony, Mamdani wasted no time, issuing executive actions to advance housing plans and revoke certain orders from his predecessor, Eric Adams. As NYC enters this new era, the mayor’s bold start has polarized observers, setting the stage for a tenure defined by progressive policies and intense scrutiny.