Billionaire Backlash Against NYC's New Mayor
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the 84-year-old billionaire investor, has publicly condemned the victory speech of New York City's newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, labelling it 'divisive'. The criticism comes after Kraft's son, Josh, failed to advance in Boston's own mayoral race.
Kraft expressed his disappointment in an interview with Fox News, stating he had hoped the mayor-elect would be a 'unifier'. 'I thought he was going to be more of a unifier,' Kraft revealed. 'I think he spoke out in a way that showed divisiveness. And that really hurt me.'
Clashing Visions for New York City
The 34-year-old Mamdani, who secured his position with roughly half the vote, used his speech to focus on rising prices and their disproportionate impact on the city's lower-income residents. However, his address also featured pointed attacks on former President Donald Trump and a defiant stance against the federal government's immigration policies.
Mamdani outlined his vision for a 'mandate for change' and a 'new kind of politics', centred on creating a 'city we can afford'. Despite the critique, Kraft acknowledged the mayor-elect's resonance with younger voters. 'He's tapped into something and touched something that people under 30 or 35 who haven't really experienced the world feel,' Kraft conceded.
Broader Repercussions and Business Concerns
The political rift extends beyond rhetoric. Kraft, a long-time supporter of Israel, took issue with Mamdani's Middle East stance. The mayor-elect, New York's first Muslim leader, has faced accusations of sympathising with terrorists, which he dismisses as 'racist, baseless attacks'. When questioned on Israel's right to exist, Mamdani stated, 'I believe that Israel has a right to exist as a state with equal rights.'
Kraft defended his position, asserting that 'The state of Israel represents the values of America' and that aligned interests necessitate US support. Notably, Kraft did not criticise Mamdani's Muslim faith, instead emphasising the freedom for all Americans to practice their religion.
The discontent has spread to the business community. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a Patriots fan and fellow supporter of Israel, is considering relocating his company's New York office and hundreds of staff. Portnoy cited Mamdani's political ideology as the primary driver, stating, 'The taxes is the least of it for me. He is a communist. I am a capitalist.'
Portnoy's grievances also include Mamdani's past support for defunding the police, a stance for which the mayor-elect has since apologised to local officers. For now, Portnoy is keeping his options open, telling the Daily Mail, 'I'll keep my options open and see what happens.' This developing situation highlights the profound ideological divisions emerging from this significant political change in America's largest city.
