An advance copy of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's speech for America's 250th birthday celebration inadvertently revealed internal discussions and edits by his press team concerning historical accuracy and inclusive language. The unearthed draft highlighted debates among the team, described as "leftist do-gooders," over specific historical details and the wording used to describe marginalized communities.
Internal communications from the press team showed discussions about historical minutiae, including the revolutionary Battle of Brooklyn and the timeline of Chinese immigration to the city. A significant point of contention involved the use of the word "slave," with some staff members arguing against its usage and advocating for the inclusion of mentions of Black people. One staffer's sarcastic suggestion to also mention Catholics in a section about escaping religious persecution, which listed Puritans, Sikhs, Quakers, Muslims, and Jews, was met with a dismissive response from speechwriter Julian Gerson, who reportedly said, "meh we can't get everyone."
Mamdani's address, delivered on Friday, July 3, 2026, was a closely managed event that did not permit reporters or the public access to the newly naturalized citizens who stood with the mayor.
In response to the leak and the nature of the edits, a spokesperson for City Hall stated that the speech adhered to the AP Stylebook's recommendation to use "enslaved people" rather than "slaves." The spokesperson added, "The speech and the Mayor spoke to every community and the rich history, breadth, and diversity of those communities that make up New York City."