Obama and NYC Mayor Mamdani Read to Bronx Preschoolers

The former president and current mayor met for the first time, leading a sing-along and discussing their visions for the city.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:33am

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A warm, cinematic painting depicting former President Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reading to a group of preschool children in a sunlit classroom, capturing a moment of shared experience and community engagement.The visit between the former president and current mayor brought a sense of nostalgia and connection to a Bronx preschool, as they worked to inspire the city's youngest residents.NYC Today

Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) visited a Bronx preschool on Saturday, marking their first in-person meeting. The pair read to the children, led a sing-along, and discussed their administrations' plans for the city in a private conversation beforehand.

Why it matters

The meeting between the high-profile Democratic figures highlights Mamdani's efforts to build relationships with national leaders as he establishes his progressive agenda for New York City. It also comes as Mamdani navigates a complex political landscape, including tensions with former President Trump over proposed tax policies.

The details

Obama and Mamdani visited the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx, part of the city's free preschool program. They read to the children and led a sing-along of 'Wheels on the Bus,' with Obama joking that the mayor felt 'incredibly old' after the kids didn't recognize a song from the Netflix film 'K Pop Demon Hunters.' In a private meeting beforehand, the two discussed their administrations' visions for the city, according to a social media post from Mamdani.

  • On Saturday, April 19, 2026, Obama and Mamdani visited the Bronx preschool.
  • The meeting came just over a week after Mamdani marked his 100th day as New York City mayor.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who has offered to serve as a 'sounding board' for the new New York City mayor.

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic socialist mayor of New York City, who is seen as a rising star in the party and is trying to cultivate relationships with national leaders like Obama.

Learning Through Play Pre-K Center

A preschool in the South Bronx that is part of New York City's free preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds.

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What they’re saying

“'In between singing wheels on the bus, we discussed our administration's vision for this City— one where New York's Cutest have the strongest start possible.'”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“'What song is that?' Mamdani asked, after the children finished their rendition.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“'I just want you to know that it's great that you just made the mayor feel really old, which is fantastic,' Obama said, patting Mamdani on the back.”

— Barack Obama

What’s next

The mayor's office has not announced any further meetings between Mamdani and Obama, but the two are expected to continue their dialogue as the new administration works to implement its agenda for New York City.

The takeaway

The visit between Obama and Mamdani highlights the new mayor's efforts to build relationships with national Democratic leaders as he seeks to advance his progressive policies in New York. It also underscores the complex political landscape Mamdani navigates, including tensions with former President Trump over proposed tax measures.