Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s Speech on America’s 250th Anniversary

Mayor Zoran Mamdani delivered a speech marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, where he openly criticized capitalism and U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, all while seated at George Washington’s desk on Friday.

Surrounded by newly naturalized citizens, his 15-minute address mixed sharp criticism with commendation for what he described as “a grand experiment in self-governance.”

Mamdani pointed out the disparity between “the powerful” and the marginalized, emphasizing the struggles and contributions of various oppressed groups—including slaves, Continental soldiers, and a diverse range of immigrants.

“We see a city full of contradictions in a nation full of contradictions,” he stated. “Here we are, in the richest country ever, yet children go to bed hungry while billionaires crave even more wealth. We have monopolies dominating every sector, while oligarchs manipulate elections.”

He also targeted President Trump’s strict immigration policies and wealthy individuals, saying, “We witness masked agents creating fear in our communities, abducting people in unmarked vans, all while enjoying meals cooked by our undocumented neighbors.” He passionately remarked, “This wealth is often built on the backs of hard-working individuals, yet it stays concentrated in the hands of a fortunate few.”

Mamdani criticized the health insurance sector, landlords, and American involvement in international conflicts. “The health insurance industry preys on sick people, but there’s so much more to see,” he noted. He recounted the compassion of nurses going the extra mile to support others.

Continuing, he lamented, “Our corporate landlords operate on a model of negligence. Consider the father who, despite a leaky roof, believes his children can create a brighter future.”

He further described government spending as skewed, saying, “We allocate tax funds for bombs and bailouts while selling our elections.” Mamdani firmly opposes U.S. military aid to Israel, framing it as an economic concern.

While New York City played a lesser role in his address than anticipated, he did mention its Revolutionary War significance and its history as a refuge for freed slaves and immigrants, including his own journey from Uganda.

“My family may not have arrived by boat, but we did see the Statue of Liberty from our airplane,” he reflected. “Even from above, we saw the promise of America—a vision that each year nudges the nation closer to its founding ideals.”