New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on his first day in office, revoked nine executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams. All the rescinded directives were signed by former Mayor Adams after September 26, 2024, the date of his federal indictment. These actions, announced shortly after Mayor Mamdani's inaugural ceremony, impact areas including the definition of antisemitism, city engagement with Israel, immigration policies, and the city’s horse carriage industry. Concurrently, Mayor Mamdani issued new executive orders focused on accelerating housing development.
Details of Revoked Orders
Mayor Mamdani's administration revoked nine executive orders. The rescinded directives include:
- An order that had expanded the definition of antisemitism to align with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition.
- An order prohibiting city agencies and employees from engaging in boycotts or divestment related to Israel.
- An Adams-era order that had permitted federal immigration authorities access to the Rikers Island jail complex.
- Directives concerning the city’s horse carriage industry.
All revoked orders were issued by former Mayor Adams subsequent to September 26, 2024, the date his federal indictment was announced. Former Mayor Adams has denied any wrongdoing, and federal charges against him were later dismissed.
Rationale for Actions
Mayor Mamdani's administration stated that the revocation of these orders aims to ensure a "fresh start." Mayor Mamdani indicated concerns that executive actions taken by former Mayor Adams after his indictment date were "compromised." He stated that new mayors have the option to continue, revoke, or amend previous executive orders. Mayor Mamdani affirmed his administration's commitment to "protect Jewish New Yorkers." His office also indicated that some Jewish organizations in New York City had shared concerns regarding the expanded IHRA definition of antisemitism.
New Executive Directives
On the same day as the revocations, Mayor Mamdani issued new executive orders addressing housing, a central theme of his campaign. These directives mandate an analysis of methods to accelerate housing development and the creation of an inventory of city-owned land suitable for housing construction. A report detailing these initiatives is scheduled to be released by summer.
Responses to the Orders
Mayor Mamdani’s executive actions generated varied responses:
- Criticism: Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Mamdani of fostering antisemitism. Multiple Jewish organizations, including the UJA Federation of New York and the New York Board of Rabbis, issued a joint statement. The statement expressed criticism of the order, asserting it reversed protections against antisemitism. While acknowledging Mayor Mamdani's executive order seeking to protect houses of worship and his continuation of the Mayor’s Office of Combating Antisemitism, the organizations expressed that their community would seek "clear and sustained leadership" in confronting antisemitism.
- Support: The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) supported Mayor Mamdani's decisions. Donna Lieberman, the NYCLU Executive Director, stated that the prior immigration order had raised concerns regarding New York City’s sanctuary laws. The NYCLU also supported the reversal of Adams’ executive orders concerning the definition of antisemitism and the prohibition of boycotts related to Israel.
Mayor Mamdani's Stance on Israel and Antisemitism
Mayor Mamdani has publicly stated his belief in Israel’s right to exist. He has also advocated for the Israeli government to ensure equal rights for all citizens without preferential treatment. He supports the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates for nonviolent tactics in support of Palestinian human rights. Proponents of the BDS movement view it as a means to exert pressure on Israel, while critics consider it antisemitic. Despite the revocations, Mayor Mamdani chose to retain the city’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, which was established under former Mayor Adams, and plans to reorganize its structure.
Mayoral Authority
As the chief executive of New York City, the mayor possesses extensive executive powers. These powers can include the direct implementation of policy, reorganization of municipal agencies, and enforcement actions.