How the Theatrics of Mamdani’s Trump Meeting Backfired How the Theatrics of Mamdani’s Trump Meeting Backfired
By pandering to the president’s vanity, the New York mayor reinforced Trump’s image as a strongman commanding deference—an especially bad look on the eve of Trump’s war with Iran
Mar 5, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
Mamdani Meets a Second Snow Crisis With Enhanced Resolve—and a Little Luck Mamdani Meets a Second Snow Crisis With Enhanced Resolve—and a Little Luck
The mayor mobilized New York's resources nimbly and creatively. Now, on to the budget
Feb 26, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
Mamdani Launches His First Salvos in New York’s Fiscal Battle Mamdani Launches His First Salvos in New York’s Fiscal Battle
The mayor, the governor, and the members of the city’s big-ticket tax base are all squaring off over prospective tax increases and service cuts.
Feb 19, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
The Divisions Mamdani Commands Are About to Be Battle-Tested The Divisions Mamdani Commands Are About to Be Battle-Tested
The New York mayor draws flack from the Catholic press, holds his own for now with the NYPD, and will have to twist arms in Albany.
Feb 12, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
Mamdani Touts a Stunning View of the City, but Struggles to Clear the Sidewalks Mamdani Touts a Stunning View of the City, but Struggles to Clear the Sidewalks
The New York mayor is opening the roof of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building to the public, but has plenty of work ahead to make the city below more affordable and accessible...
Feb 5, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
Mamdani Goes From a Winter Storm to a Fiscal One Mamdani Goes From a Winter Storm to a Fiscal One
The mayor publicizes a $12 billion hole in New York's budget over the next two years—and draws some political battle lines.
Jan 29, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
Young Mayor in a Hurry Young Mayor in a Hurry
Zohran Mamdani has pledged to govern at the same pace New Yorkers live—but city politics are largely designed to thwart that ambition.
Jan 22, 2026 / D.D. Guttenplan
Mamdani Starts Governing by Getting the Imagery Right Mamdani Starts Governing by Getting the Imagery Right
Early signs suggest that the Mamdani era in New York is off to an encouraging start—beginning with the mayor's continued mastery of political spectacle.
Jan 15, 2026 / Column / D.D. Guttenplan