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Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams is uncertain about attending the inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on January 1, 2026. Adams expressed concerns over potentially disruptive behavior from Mamdani's supporters, whom he described as "nasty" and "disrespectful." He told NY1 that he wants to communicate with Mamdani to avoid any disruptions during the ceremony, which is set to take place at City Hall.
Tensions between Adams and Mamdani have been high, exacerbated by Adams' recent executive orders that Mamdani opposes. One order prevents the city from making investment decisions that discriminate against Israel, conflicting with Mamdani's support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. Another order authorizes the NYPD to create protest zones around houses of worship, a response to a recent demonstration in the city.
Despite the strained relationship, Mamdani has stated he will review Adams' orders once in office. He has already pledged to end homeless encampment sweeps, a key component of Adams' policies on street homelessness. Mamdani emphasized his commitment to serving all New Yorkers, including Jewish communities, following controversial comments from Benjamin Tisch, brother of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who remains in Mamdani's administration.
Adams, who dropped out of the mayoral race earlier this year, has been critical of Mamdani both before and after his election. While skipping the inauguration would break tradition, Adams insists he does not want to become a spectacle at the event. The transition planning for Mamdani's administration is underway, with expectations high for his ambitious agenda.
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