Zoran Mamdani appears to be distancing himself from Bill de Blasio amid the former mayor’s ongoing corruption issues, while CNN has opted not to renew its contract with de Blasio, according to reports.
Insiders say the new mayor’s transition team started to shift its approach towards de Blasio when his tumultuous personal life made the news, and he seemed to become less engaged. It’s interesting how quickly perceptions can change, huh?
Meanwhile, de Blasio doesn’t seem too concerned about being pushed to the side. Sources indicate he opted for a getaway to Mexico with his new partner, Roxanna Valenzuela, the mayor of South Tucson, Arizona.
“He seems pretty desperate for attention,” one source quipped, suggesting that de Blasio may be trying to draw media focus through recent public meetings with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and the incoming City Council President Julie Menin.
Apparently, he hopes those high-profile appearances will convince Mamdani’s team that he still holds clout and influence among former staffers. Yet, his emotional state seems to be taking a hit since reports surfaced about his infidelity with a 41-year-old political strategist who supported Mamdani’s mayoral campaign.
Compounding his troubles, de Blasio has reportedly become less responsive and even missed meetings aimed at helping people find jobs.
In fact, Mamdani and his team were turned away after hearing that de Blasio was pledging support to influential figures in the new administration. It’s a bit surprising, considering he was still actively involved in political commentary for CNN during the mayoral race.
While he was expected to play a role in the new administration, CNN’s decision not to renew his contract seems to reflect a cooling relationship. I mean, it definitely raises questions about how this dynamic will play out moving forward.
For months, de Blasio has been quietly meeting with former staff members to secure positions within the new socialist administration, which is interesting given his current standing.
“He gave them Dean,” an insider mentioned, referencing Dean Freihan, Mamdani’s pick for first deputy mayor, who previously served as de Blasio’s budget director.
Interestingly, de Blasio also played a key role in a shadow campaign against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been attempting a political comeback, but many insiders believe that the new mayor is consolidating his power effectively.
Concerns are starting to arise; it seems de Blasio isn’t the only one feeling the chill from Mamdani’s team lately, raising questions about the incoming administration’s direction, particularly since personnel announcements have been notably absent for nearly a month. Not surprisingly, both Mamdani’s press secretary and de Blasio have yet to provide any comments on these developments.
