New York, January 1, 2026 – The Europe Today: Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City just after midnight on Thursday, becoming the first Muslim leader of America’s largest city in a historic ceremony held at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan.
Mamdani, a Democrat, took the oath of office with his hand on a Quran, marking a milestone in the city’s political history. “This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” he said in brief remarks following the private ceremony.
The oath was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a longtime political ally, at the old City Hall station, one of the city’s original subway stops renowned for its stunning arched ceilings.
In his first comments as mayor, Mamdani highlighted the significance of the location, calling the historic subway station “a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health, and the legacy of our city.” During the ceremony, he also announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
Concluding his brief address, Mamdani said with a smile, “Thank you all so much, now I will see you later,” before ascending a flight of stairs.
A second, public swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. at City Hall, where U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Mamdani’s political inspirations, will administer the oath. The ceremony will be followed by a public block party along the “Canyon of Heroes” on Broadway, a stretch famous for hosting the city’s historic ticker-tape parades.
