New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani argued a true celebration of patriotism should confront both the nation’s ideals and its flaws, in a speech Friday on the eve of America’s 250th birthday.
The speech, meant to contrast to President Donald Trump’s planned remarks at Mount Rushmore, was steeped in symbolism and centered immigration as its primary theme. A naturalized citizen born in Uganda to parents of Indian-origin, Mamdani sat behind a desk used by George Washington, with naturalized immigrants standing around him holding American flags.
Mamdani made several references to “powerful” interests he argued believe the fruit of America should only be reaped by few.
“America, if you ask them, becomes less the more people it welcomes,” Mamdani said. “America, they will tell you, belongs only to those with the right accent or the right shade of skin. The rest of us, they insist, should be grateful for merely being allowed to visit.”
Mamdani gave the speech at New York City Hall which is located just steps away from the site where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the Continental Army.
