Socialist NYC mayor promises 'collectivism' over 'individualism'

During his inauguration speech on Thursday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who identifies himself as a Democratic socialist, pledged to promote the “warmth of collectivism” over “rugged individualism,” to “govern as a Democratic socialist,” and to expand the power of “big government.”

“We will draw this city closer together. We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. If our campaign demonstrated that the people of New York yearn for solidarity, then let this government foster it,” Mamdani said in a video from his inauguration speech. “Because no matter what you eat, how you pray, or where you come from, the words that most define us are the two we all share, New Yorkers.”

In another video shared on X, formerly Twitter, Mamdani appeared to double down on his socialist ideology after being sworn in as the new mayor of New York City.

“I was elected as a Democratic socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic socialist,” Mamdani stated. “I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical.” 

Mamdani also promised New Yorkers on Thursday that he will use the power of “big government” to address a variety of issues throughout the city by raising taxes, establishing free child care, freezing housing rent rates, and creating free public transportation. The New York City mayor pledged that his administration will “govern expansively and audaciously.”

“To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this—no longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives,” Mamdani added. “For too long, we have turned to the private sector for greatness while accepting mediocrity from those who serve the public.”

In response to Mamdani’s plan to replace individualism with collectivism, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) tweeted, “Collectivism isn’t warm. It’s as cold as ice and locks the poor into perpetual poverty. Free markets have elevated more people out of poverty than any government program ever could.”

Additionally, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) warned that the “warmth” of collectivism “always requires coercion and force.” The Florida governor added, “How many dead over the past 100 years due to collectivist ideologies?”