During the ceremony, Mamdani spoke briefly and described the moment as the honor and privilege of a lifetime. His remarks focused on service, responsibility, and the work ahead rather than on personal identity. Although he took his oath using two Qurans, the gesture was presented quietly and respectfully in the reporting, without becoming the center of the event. The emphasis remained on his agenda and on the historic nature of his rise, not on his religious background.
The public inauguration later that afternoon expanded the scale of the celebration. Tens of thousands were expected to attend the block party along Broadway, a sign of the enthusiasm surrounding his administration and the broad coalition that propelled him into office. National figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participated in the ceremony, reinforcing the sense that Mamdani has become a major political presence far beyond New York City.
Mamdani’s speech at City Hall highlighted affordability, mobility, and dignity as the guiding principles of his administration. He framed these priorities as practical commitments that could reshape daily life for millions of residents. His popularity reflects a moment in which many Americans are looking for leaders who speak directly to economic pressures and public needs. The coverage of his inauguration consistently described him as one of the most prominent and closely followed political figures in the United States today.
His inauguration did more than introduce a new mayor. It signaled the arrival of a national figure whose influence now extends across the country. By grounding his message in public service and shared civic life, Mamdani began his term with a sense of purpose that resonated far beyond New York.