Luxury boots ignite backlash against NYC’s self-styled socialist mayor
TOI GLOBAL | Jan 05, 2026, 17:56 IST
Zohran Mamdani’s historic swearing-in as New York City’s youngest mayor was quickly overshadowed by online outrage over his wife Rama Duwaji’s $630 designer boots. What began as a fashion detail soon turned into a political flashpoint, with critics questioning whether Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform aligns with elite aesthetics. Supporters argue the backlash distracts from real policy debates and reflects deeper cultural and ideological divides in American politics.
New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has taken office amid a wave of national attention. This is due not only to his historic victory but also to the controversy surrounding his wife’s fashion choice at the swearing-in ceremony.
Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on January 1, 2026. He is the youngest mayor in generations and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian leader. He took the oath with support from national progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders. Mamdani promised bold reforms, such as increasing taxes on corporations and wealthy residents to fund universal childcare, free public transit, and more affordable housing.
However, during the celebration of this political achievement, a small detail quickly became a hot topic on social media and conservative news outlets. This detail was the designer boots worth approximately $630 that Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, wore at the inauguration ceremony.
Photos and video clips from the event sparked debate online after the boots drew attention for being luxury items. Critics used this detail to argue Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform, which promotes economic fairness and affordability, clashed with the image of his wife wearing high-end fashion.
Conservative commentators were among those most vocal in their criticism. Karoline Leavitt, a former White House press secretary, took to social media to focus on the boots and question the image of a socialist leader whose administration pushes for higher taxes on the wealthy while his wife wore expensive footwear.
The controversy spread across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, generating a variety of reactions. Some critics dismissed Mamdani’s stance on economic inequality by highlighting the boots as evidence of a disconnect between his words and personal image. Others framed it as part of a larger critique of modern socialist politicians who adopt elite cultural symbols while advocating for redistributive policies.
Meanwhile, some observers urged caution in interpreting wardrobe choices. Analysts and supporters of Mamdani noted that there is no evidence showing the boots were bought by the mayoral family. Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson stated that several items of Duwaji’s outfit, including her accessories, were borrowed for the event.
Supporters insisted that the focus on fashion diverts attention from significant policy issues that New York City faces, such as housing affordability, transit costs, and economic inequality all key areas of Mamdani’s agenda. They also noted that a public official’s spouse often faces unfair scrutiny based on appearance rather than their impact on policy.
This incident highlights the deep political divide in the United States, where even small details can serve as a stand-in for ideological critique. As Mamdani’s administration begins to implement ambitious reforms, debates over his public image including comparisons to conservative figures like former President Donald Trump, who displayed overt wealth reflect broader cultural discussions about class, ideology, and leadership.
In the end, the “boot controversy” has shifted from a fashion issue to a reflection of the broader tensions between political messaging and personal image in a time when every public figure’s style faces intense scrutiny for its symbolic meaning.
Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on January 1, 2026. He is the youngest mayor in generations and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian leader. He took the oath with support from national progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders. Mamdani promised bold reforms, such as increasing taxes on corporations and wealthy residents to fund universal childcare, free public transit, and more affordable housing.
However, during the celebration of this political achievement, a small detail quickly became a hot topic on social media and conservative news outlets. This detail was the designer boots worth approximately $630 that Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, wore at the inauguration ceremony.
Photos and video clips from the event sparked debate online after the boots drew attention for being luxury items. Critics used this detail to argue Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform, which promotes economic fairness and affordability, clashed with the image of his wife wearing high-end fashion.
Conservative commentators were among those most vocal in their criticism. Karoline Leavitt, a former White House press secretary, took to social media to focus on the boots and question the image of a socialist leader whose administration pushes for higher taxes on the wealthy while his wife wore expensive footwear.
The controversy spread across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, generating a variety of reactions. Some critics dismissed Mamdani’s stance on economic inequality by highlighting the boots as evidence of a disconnect between his words and personal image. Others framed it as part of a larger critique of modern socialist politicians who adopt elite cultural symbols while advocating for redistributive policies.
Meanwhile, some observers urged caution in interpreting wardrobe choices. Analysts and supporters of Mamdani noted that there is no evidence showing the boots were bought by the mayoral family. Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson stated that several items of Duwaji’s outfit, including her accessories, were borrowed for the event.
Supporters insisted that the focus on fashion diverts attention from significant policy issues that New York City faces, such as housing affordability, transit costs, and economic inequality all key areas of Mamdani’s agenda. They also noted that a public official’s spouse often faces unfair scrutiny based on appearance rather than their impact on policy.
This incident highlights the deep political divide in the United States, where even small details can serve as a stand-in for ideological critique. As Mamdani’s administration begins to implement ambitious reforms, debates over his public image including comparisons to conservative figures like former President Donald Trump, who displayed overt wealth reflect broader cultural discussions about class, ideology, and leadership.
In the end, the “boot controversy” has shifted from a fashion issue to a reflection of the broader tensions between political messaging and personal image in a time when every public figure’s style faces intense scrutiny for its symbolic meaning.