NYC Mayor Mamdani Roasts Cuomo, De Blasio, and Media at Inner Circle Dinner

Socialist mayor takes jabs at former leaders and local publications during annual black-tie event

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:08pm

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New York City's Democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, took aim at the press and jabbed former New York leaders during his first Inner Circle dinner on Saturday night. Mamdani compared his relationship with Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul to the past feud between Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio, joking 'we don't want to murder each other and there's way less sexual tension.' He also targeted the New York Post and Daily News, crediting Instagram creators as the city's true press corps.

Why it matters

The annual Inner Circle dinner is a longstanding tradition where New York's political and media elite gather for a night of roasting and satire. Mamdani's willingness to take shots at the press and former leaders signals his confrontational style and desire to shake up the status quo in New York City politics.

The details

During his set, Mamdani invited anyone with travel plans to Uganda to rent his parents' home, which comes with a 'New York Post reporter permanently stationed outside.' He also shared the stage with Curtis Sliwa, the 2025 Republican mayoral nominee, and got an allergy shot ahead of his plan to bring a cat to Gracie Mansion. Earlier in the night, reporters put on their own musical send-up of City Hall, with Jeff Coltin, editor-in-chief of City & State, playing Mamdani in an apron with no shirt, a callback to one of the mayor's past music video appearances.

  • Mamdani's remarks came during the 87th night of his administration.
  • The Inner Circle has staged the annual roast since 1923.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic socialist mayor of New York City, known for his confrontational style and desire to shake up the status quo in city politics.

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York, who Mamdani compared his relationship with to the past feud between Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio.

Andrew Cuomo

The former governor of New York, whose past feud with Bill de Blasio Mamdani referenced.

Bill de Blasio

The former mayor of New York City, whose past feud with Andrew Cuomo Mamdani referenced.

Curtis Sliwa

The 2025 Republican mayoral nominee, who shared the stage with Mamdani during the event.

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What they’re saying

“We're like Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio — except we don't want to murder each other and there's way less sexual tension.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“Now, this is the 87th night of my administration — or as the New York Post would describe it: Arabian Nights.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“If you lose a few hundred followers, you'll still have more readers than the Daily News.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

The takeaway

Mamdani's willingness to take shots at the press and former leaders during the Inner Circle dinner signals his confrontational style and desire to shake up the status quo in New York City politics. His remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between the city's political and media establishments, as the new mayor seeks to chart a more progressive course for the city.