New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced growing criticism for prioritizing promotional efforts over substantive governance during the first nine months of his tenure. Observers point to a series of high-profile videos and public appearances that highlight the mayor’s emphasis on media visibility rather than addressing pressing city issues.
One recent example includes a video featuring Mamdani alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in which the two engage in a staged game of “trash basketball” using a City Hall wastebasket. Critics note that the footage is heavily edited and question the seriousness of such stunts amid ongoing challenges. Earlier in his term, Mamdani attracted attention for a public relations campaign involving a fake mukbang to announce a settlement for fast-food workers, as well as a visit to the apartment of hedge-fund executive Ken Griffin to promote a pied-à-terre tax—an initiative that faced logistical hurdles after the announcement.
Critics also highlight a pledge Mamdani made during his campaign to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, a promise he later abandoned upon learning that the United States does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. Instead of demonstrating against Netanyahu during the latter’s recent visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Mamdani participated in a symbolic olive tree planting at his official residence, an effort some described as largely performative since he did not plant the tree himself.
Public safety remains a major concern as well. Critics argue that Mamdani’s policies, supported by his close allies from the Democratic Socialists of America, have contributed to rising crime, with repeat offenders roaming the subway system and enlarged homeless encampments appearing in multiple Manhattan locations. Meanwhile, New York City’s public schools continue to underperform, particularly for Black and Latino students, and housing affordability rankings for boroughs including Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn remain near the bottom nationally.
Despite these issues, Mamdani’s administration has continued to invest heavily in promotional activities. His Office of Mass Engagement reportedly commands tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to produce content geared toward his political base. Supporters of the mayor view such efforts as necessary to boost civic engagement, but detractors argue that the focus on optics comes at the expense of addressing urgent public needs.
Some of Mamdani’s initiatives, such as the creation of a Department of Community Safety intended to replace traditional policing structures, have yet to materialize beyond nominal offices, while key police units remain active. The mayor has also faced public rebuke, including being booed at NYPD events and reportedly snubbed at a military funeral in a district he won during the election.
As the mayor approaches his first year in office, critics question the tangible progress made under his leadership, pointing to a perceived gap between his rhetoric and implementation. With city residents facing persistent challenges in safety, education, and affordability, the debate continues over whether Mamdani’s approach will translate into meaningful improvements.