NYC Mayor Mamdani Faces Scrutiny for Signing One Law in 10 Months, Prioritizing Social Media, Insiders Claim

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed only one bill into law during his first 10 months in office, a period during which his social media following has surged significantly. Insiders at City Hall told the New York Post that Mamdani and his team are more preoccupied with building his online presence than with legislative duties.

The sole law signed by Mamdani this year pertains to year-round outdoor dining on city sidewalks. Critics and former staffers suggest that the mayor's team prioritizes creating social media content, with one source describing the office as aiming to become a "content farm" and that "there are lots of laughs, and there is very little work."

Mamdani's legislative output contrasts sharply with his predecessors. At the same point in their tenures, former Mayor Eric Adams had signed 30 laws, Michael Bloomberg had signed 28, and Bill de Blasio had signed 47.

Mamdani has frequently utilized the "returned unsigned" process for bills passed by the New York City Council. This process allows a bill to become law without the mayor's signature if it is not vetoed within four weeks. While mayors sometimes use this to express disagreement or avoid endorsing legislation, critics accuse Mamdani of failing to actively govern.

While legislative action has been minimal, Mamdani's social media presence has seen explosive growth. His Instagram following increased from under 60,000 before his 2025 campaign to seven million by the time he won the election. In the 10 months since taking office, his following has surpassed 12 million.

Among his widely shared social media content are a video filmed outside the Manhattan apartment of hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, where he declared a desire to "tax the rich," and a clip where he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal."

Meanwhile, several bills reportedly remained unsigned on Mamdani's desk. These include legislation for wellness checks on elderly New Yorkers during heatwaves, a rent-assistance program, and the expansion of free childcare initiatives, even as the mayor shared social media content over the summer.

Former City Council member Diana Ayala described Mamdani's approach as "weird," noting it gives the impression of either insufficient attention or disagreement without clear communication. She suggested that elevating initiatives would demonstrate goodwill and alignment on specific issues.

Mamdani has also faced criticism from segments of his progressive and pro-Palestinian base. He was branded a "traitor" by some protesters at a vigil marking the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Protesters also confronted him during remarks on the shooting of Oscar Bergal, an immigrant, chanting that Mamdani was "complicit." Mamdani had called for the abolition of ICE during these remarks.