Spain’s victory in the FIFA World Cup and Andy Burnham’s impending assumption of the British premiership dominate the headlines, but this interview focuses on my conversation with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, exploring topics from football to politics.
It is unusual for an American mayor to be widely recognized abroad, and Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, enjoys a notably high profile on the global stage. His prominence stems partly from his international background—he was born in Uganda to a family of distinguished Indian immigrants—and partly from his political activism. As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, an increasingly influential group, and for his vocal support of Palestinian rights, Mamdani has galvanized progressives while unsettling conservatives worldwide. Moreover, his viral videos have resonated with audiences far beyond New York.
During a recent visit to New York, I had the opportunity to interview Mayor Zohran Mamdani, probing his thoughts on the World Cup, wealth taxation, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s impending arrival for the United Nations General Assembly.
Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Mamdani on Burnham, Netanyahu and the red card incident
America’s defining characteristic is its rich tapestry of diasporas, a phenomenon vividly displayed during the World Cup where every squad felt like a homecoming. Which fan groups captured your attention?
It’s especially true for New York City, a metropolis of 8.5 million where more than three million residents were born outside the United States—myself included. Immersing yourself in the right neighborhood reveals the city’s multicultural pulse. If you want to watch Egypt, head to Steinway Street in Astoria; for Colombia, Jackson Heights is the place to be. I also want to highlight the Norwegian supporters, as this was their first World Cup appearance since 1998, and I noticed a surge of rowing imagery wherever I went—a testament to their enthusiastic campaign. As an Arsenal fan, I spent years hating and fearing Erling Haaland, but this summer I found myself cheering for him.
When President Trump intervened with FIFA over the suspension of a U.S. player, I was asked whether such involvement by a national leader is appropriate.
To be honest, the media narrative leading up to the U.S.–Belgium match centered almost entirely on the overturned red card. I thought it was a harsh decision at the time, and the pre‑game coverage revolved around the phone call from the president. In the end, the match left us disappointed, but I appreciated seeing Flo Balogun approach the Belgian coach after the game because it reminded us that players should be the stars, not mere pawns in larger political games.
The center‑left is struggling worldwide; voters feel let down, and some have swung to the right or further left. Does your victory in New York translate overseas?
While New Yorkers pride themselves on exceptionalism, the challenges they confront—housing affordability, child‑care costs, grocery prices, and public transportation—are not unique to our city. Working people across the country and around the globe face similar hardships. For years, especially here, the idea that democratic socialists could offer concrete answers and a vision beyond mere recognition has been dismissed as an intellectual exercise. Over the past six months, however, we have demonstrated that democratic‑socialist principles can deliver real results: repairing over 170,000 potholes, moving toward universal child care, and improving the slowest bus routes in the nation.
What do you think about Andy Burnham?
Seeing any mayor continue to lead in their respective jurisdiction is encouraging. I’m slightly disappointed that he supports Everton, but I respect his loyalty to a struggling club; true commitment shines through in such choices.
Do you think he represents the same left‑wing politics you advocate?
I look forward to seeing how his leadership will serve people across the United Kingdom.
Many on the left are debating how to tax the wealthy without harming growth—capital flight is a concern. You recently instituted a pied‑à‑terre tax. Did any millionaires call you, and how did those calls go?
Whenever we discuss raising taxes on the wealthiest to ensure everyone can afford city life, the fear of capital flight arises. Time and again, however, the alarmist predictions have proven unfounded. Similarly, a proposal to tax secondary homes owned by non‑resident New Yorkers valued over $5 million is hard to oppose when asked on the street; most New Yorkers see it as a reasonable step.
The United States will soon mark its 250th anniversary. As the nation’s ideals are debated, what does being American mean to you?
It is a distinctly American story to be born in Uganda, arrive in New York at age seven, and now serve as its mayor. Such a narrative cannot be repeated in many places worldwide. The story of this country will always be contested, but the struggle to live up to its ideals is constant. It is an imperfect, demanding battle, yet one for which we all bear responsibility.
Readers know you as a critic of Israel and advocate for Palestinian rights. Will New York City divest from Israeli investments, or will you arrest the Israeli prime minister when he visits for the U.N. General Assembly in September, as you have said you would?
I have made clear that I believe the era of politics built on exceptions must end. We have seen many who claim universal ideals hesitate when those ideals apply to Palestinians. The World Cup is a moment of global celebration, yet even then the genocide in Gaza continues. Recent reports indicate the Israeli military killed an Egyptian man who was in Gaza helping set up World Cup watch parties—an act without justification. [Israel has denied it is committing genocide in Gaza. The man recently killed was Palestinian, working for an Egyptian aid group.] I maintain that Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, and that international law is not a suggestion but a standard we must all obey.
Increasingly, both around the world and in our city, more people say they believe in human rights for all, including Palestinians.
