WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Pete Davidson questioned whether Mayor Zohran Mamdani has any meaningful connection to Staten Island.
  • Davidson said he would not trust Mamdani to run the borough and described Staten Island as “violently red.”
  • The comedian also pressed Mamdani over prolonged construction and apparent inactivity along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
  • Mamdani highlighted a $4 billion rehabilitation plan for the city owned section, with construction expected to begin in 2030.

Pete Davidson has again aimed his criticism at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, this time questioning whether the politician has any meaningful connection to Davidson’s beloved hometown of Staten Island, as reported by Fox News.

Image Credit: Lev Radin - Shutterstock.com

“Zohran Mamdani ... is he Staten Island? I don't know,” Davidson said. “I don't think he's from Staten Island.”

The “Saturday Night Live” comedian also considered whether Mamdani possessed “Staten Island's heart.” Davidson quickly delivered his verdict, admitting, “I don't think he's Staten Island.”

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: Trump Treasury Drops the Hammer on Fraud, Blocks $175 Million Bound for Dead Recipients [WATCH]

Davidson insisted that he did not personally object to Mamdani, but he left little doubt about his assessment of the mayor’s ties to the borough. “I don't have a problem with the guy, but I definitely don't think he's Staten Island at all. Staten Island's the only red place in New York, and it's violently red.”

The 32-year-old comedian then described the political leanings within his own family. “You know, most of my family is, you know, on the red side. It's not that, like, storm the capital vibe. It's more just like, '[Trump is] funny. Like, I don't care. I just need something different.'”

Davidson continued with an even sharper description of the borough and its political culture. “Like, it's not like a racist, misogynistic sort of thing, it's just like ... it's 1985 over there. You are not a real Staten Island politician unless you have a secret family and know one mobster.”

His conclusion for Mamdani was blunt. “I would not trust you to run Staten Island,” Davidson added.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from Objectivist.co, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

youtube.com/shorts/7uVY06MbF90?themeRefresh=1

The remarks followed another public complaint Davidson made about Mamdani last week during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” When Jimmy Kimmel revealed that Mamdani would be the show’s next guest, he asked the “King of Staten Island” star whether he had any questions for the mayor.

Davidson used the opportunity to plead for action on the BQE. His request focused on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a major New York City highway running through Brooklyn and Queens that has faced criticism over traffic congestion and aging infrastructure.

The request immediately drew cheers and thunderous applause from the studio audience. Davidson gestured toward the crowd and said, “Look at that,” before Kimmel observed, “That's the loudest response I've ever gotten.”

Close

MORE NEWS: James Talarico Cornered as Explosive 2020 Police Defunding Comments Resurface [WATCH]

Davidson then described his frustration with the prolonged work on the highway. “The BQE has been under construction since before I was born. And here’s my problem with it,” he said.

“They’re never doing anything. Someone’s just standing there eating a sandwich or on the phone, and there’s all these cones around.”

He also questioned where the money behind the project was going, while asking for the roadway to finally be repaired. “So I don't know what mob front or whatever, who's getting money from whatever, but just fix it, please.”

Kimmel kept his promise and presented Davidson’s question to Mamdani at the end of the mayor’s appearance. “Pete Davidson wants to know what's going on in the BQE,” Kimmel said. “He says he drives by it and he sees nobody doing anything. He said it's been like since before he was born.”

Mamdani responded by pointing to his office’s BQE Central Project, a $4 billion plan covering the city owned portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. Construction is expected to begin in 2030.

“We're going to be putting a multibillion-dollar plan to actually repair the part the city owns,” Mamdani said.

“Which is the part that is currently the most at risk and that's going to be proceeding over the next 10 years. Full safety. No diversion of traffic into local neighborhoods and actually bring it back.”

The timeline gave Kimmel an opening for one last joke at Davidson’s expense. “So you’re saying Pete’s daughter will also be complaining about this,” he said as Mamdani and the audience laughed.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.