In a historic and deeply symbolic moment, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the Mayor of New York City, taking his oath of office on two copies of the Quran. This unprecedented act has ignited a fierce backlash from prominent figures within the MAGA movement and right-wing commentators, who have condemned the ceremony and linked it to the memory of the September 11 attacks.
Conservative Outrage Over Historic Oath
The ceremony, which marked Mamdani as the first NYC mayor in history to use the Quran for his swearing-in, was immediately rejected by several conservative voices. Right-wing commentator Laura Loomer expressed vehement disapproval, writing on social media, "Disgusting. We are an occupied country!" Former Donald Trump aide Steve Bannon attacked The New York Times for its coverage, accusing the publication of 'gushing' over Mamdani and labeling the article 'pukeworthy'.
The criticism extended internationally, with far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders declaring the oath "Invalid" and stating, "No Quran. USA is not Islamic. Yet. Wake up America." The sentiment was echoed by other conservative figures. Commentator Eric Daugherty wrote, "Zohran Mamdani just became the first NYC mayor in history to swear in on the Quran. New York forgot. Islam must be repelled, before it’s too late."
Activist and Islam-critic Amy Mek framed the event as a culmination of a longer process, stating, "New York City didn’t suddenly fall. It was surrendered - slowly, deliberately, and with Republican permission." Political strategist Joey Mannarino used incendiary language, claiming, "Every 9/11 victim is turning over in their grave right now seeing that Moslem piece of trash Zohran Mamdani swear in on the Quran."
The Significance of the Three Qurans
Amidst the political firestorm, the details of the swearing-in ceremony highlighted its personal and historical significance. As reported by The New York Times prior to the event, Mamdani's team selected three specific Qurans for the occasions.
During the subway ceremony, Mamdani took the oath on two Qurans: his grandfather’s personal Quran and a rare, pocket-sized version dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century. This antique copy is part of the collection at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Hiba Abid, the library’s curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, explained that this Quran symbolizes the deep roots and diversity of the city's Muslim community.
"It’s a small Quran, but it brings together elements of faith and identity in New York City history," Abid said. For the subsequent formal ceremony at City Hall, Mamdani planned to use both his grandfather's and his grandmother's Qurans, weaving his family's heritage directly into the fabric of the city's governance.
A Moment of Division and Symbolism
The event has crystallized a sharp cultural and political divide. For Mamdani and his supporters, the use of the Quran represents a landmark moment of religious inclusion and recognition for American Muslims, reflecting New York City's celebrated diversity. The careful choice of the historic texts underscores a narrative of faith, heritage, and belonging.
Conversely, for his detractors, the act is viewed as a symbolic betrayal, a break from tradition, and a provocative gesture that they directly associate with national trauma. The coordinated backlash from high-profile right-wing personalities frames the inauguration not just as a political transition, but as a contentious cultural flashpoint, setting the stage for continued debate over identity, memory, and the symbols of American public life.
