Zohran Mamdani avoids mayoral rivals and Trump administration officials at 9/11 ceremony.
On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, maintained a notably low profile during the 9/11 memorial ceremony held at Ground Zero. This annual event, which commemorates the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred 24 years ago, brought together a range of political and public figures, including members of the Trump administration. Mamdani, whose campaign is gaining traction as a frontrunner for the upcoming November election, was seen situated at the rear of a designated tent area as the names of the 9/11 victims were read aloud.
Mamdani did not engage with prominent political figures present at the ceremony, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and various officials from the Trump administration such as FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The Democratic nominee’s abstention from social interactions extended to former mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani, further illustrating a clear divide between him and the political establishment.
Although Mamdani avoided contact with these notable figures, he did interact with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Janno Lieber, chairman of the MTA. A spokesperson for Mamdani indicated that his placement at the rear of the tent, a position dictated by electoral rank, limited his opportunities for interaction.
During the memorial ceremony, Mayor Adams and Cuomo were observed actively engaging with several attendees, including officials from the Trump administration. Reports suggest that Adams is contemplating withdrawing from the mayoral race to pursue opportunities within the Trump administration or the private sector. This potential shift has led him to conduct an internal poll to evaluate his future in the race, an indication of the shifting dynamics as the election approaches.
Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians gathered at Ground Zero to pay their respects to the victims of the attacks, underscoring the continued emotional resonance of the events of September 11, 2001. While many expressed solidarity and remembrance, Mamdani’s evident separation from the interactions between political allies and rivals reflects the contentious and polarized environment heading into the mayoral election.
Amid these political developments, Vice President JD Vance had initially been scheduled to attend the memorial but canceled at the last minute for other commitments. Donald Trump marked the anniversary of the attacks in a separate ceremony at the Pentagon, further illustrating the broad spectrum of responses to this solemn occasion. This year’s memorial undoubtedly served as a backdrop for a tense and evolving political landscape in New York City as candidates prepare for the November elections.
Media News Source
