Mamdani Administration Plots Influencer-Led Smear Campaign Against NYC CEOs
City Hall is reportedly leveraging a network of influencers to generate negative sentiment towards business leaders and bolster support for proposed tax increases.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inner circle is reportedly orchestrating a coordinated smear campaign against prominent city CEOs, utilizing a taxpayer-funded network of influencers to advance the mayor's tax-and-spend agenda. Sources familiar with the plans indicate that top City Hall advisers, operating from an open-plan "bullpen" war room, are targeting senior executives.
This strategy emerges months after a public dispute between Mamdani and Citadel founder Ken Griffin, and follows previous reports of the mayor's plans to introduce new taxes in the fall to generate revenue for the city's projected budget deficit, which is estimated to reach $13.2 billion by fiscal year 2028.
Targeting Business Leaders and Advocacy Groups
The administration is reportedly focusing on key figures within the Partnership for New York City, a major business advocacy group. This focus intensified following a leadership transition at the organization in January, where Steve Fulop succeeded Kathryn Wylde as CEO. Insiders suggest Mamdani's team views Fulop as less experienced, creating an opportune moment to apply pressure.
Potential targets for negative campaigns include Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, with discussions around his company's drug pricing, and Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies, regarding the $2 billion Hudson Yards expansion. "Anybody is fair game as long as you’ve got money," one source briefed on the plans told The Post. "There is a menu of options that is presented to the mayor."
The operation is reportedly coordinated through Democratic Socialists of America Signal groups. The administration aims to systematically undermine corporate leaders as it seeks to address the city's fiscal challenges, including a proposed 2-percentage-point increase on income over $1 million and a hike in the top corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 11.5%. If enacted, New York City's highest earners could face a top marginal rate of 16.8%, potentially the highest nationally.
Key Figures and Strategy
The digital campaign is being spearheaded by Tascha Van Auken, Director of the Office of Mass Engagement, and Emilia Rowland, the city's Director of New Media and Cultural Communications. Van Auken, a veteran DSA organizer, managed Mamdani's campaign ground operation, while Rowland developed his social media strategy.
The mayor's viral Tax Day video targeting Ken Griffin's penthouse was described as a pre-planned tactic to gauge the reaction of the business community. Griffin publicly criticized the maneuver as a "creepy and weird" personal attack.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has also voiced concerns, warning in a May meeting with Mamdani that focusing on ideology could blind leaders to practical policy needs. Dimon has publicly cautioned that high taxes are driving businesses and residents to states like Florida and Texas.
The timing of these maneuvers could also present political challenges for Governor Kathy Hochul, as she faces an upcoming gubernatorial election. Pfizer's PAC has made significant donations to state Democratic groups, and Bourla has contributed to Hochul's previous campaigns.
City Hall and The Partnership for New York City have not yet responded to requests for comment on these reported plans.