Mayor Zohran Mamdani, known for his large social media following and seemingly unflappable online persona, is described by political insiders as "thin-skinned" and "hyper-sensitive" to criticism in private. These sources, who spoke anonymously to The Post, allege that Mamdani personally engages with critics, particularly elected officials, and can hold onto grudges.
Mamdani's public image was bolstered by his extensive use of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which contributed to his rise from state lawmaker to mayor. His administration has also invested significantly in a "Office of Mass Engagement," which critics have called a propaganda tool.
Sources claim that Mamdani's sensitivity to public perception extends to his administration's political goals. His prominent "tax the rich" agenda, promoted through videos, and his response to criticism from figures like Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and City Councilwoman Virginia Maloney are cited as examples. Richards had criticized the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as "white supremacy," and Mamdani's team reportedly attempted to have the post removed. Maloney's sarcastic response to the mayor on X also allegedly drew his attention.
A recent incident involved Mamdani being excluded from eulogizing Army Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad at her funeral in Queens, an event sources say left the mayor visibly upset. Insiders suggest that negative press coverage or critical social media posts are a sure way to elicit a response from Mamdani and his team, while routine communications may go unaddressed.
Despite these accounts, some insiders acknowledge Mamdani's engagement in policy discussions and a willingness to learn, describing him as having "humility" and doing "more listening than talking."
Mamdani's spokeswoman, Dora Pekec, stated that the mayor's focus remains on "deliver[ing] for New Yorkers" and viewing city and state elected officials as "valuable partners." However, some observers, like former Mayor Eric Adams' chief mouthpiece Fabien Levy, have suggested the administration is too focused on social media engagement rather than tangible street-level results.