Bill Ackman Criticizes Mamdani's Policies, Hints at Mayoral Bid

WHO:

Fox News - Bill Ackman, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin

NY Post - Bill Ackman, Nicole Lapin

WHAT:

Fox News - Bill Ackman criticized Mamdani's policies as "disastrous for New York City."

Fox News - Ackman stated, "I'm not a fan," regarding Mamdani's leadership.

Fox News - Ackman mentioned a proposed tax on second homes worth more than $5 million.

Fox News - Ken Griffin criticized the proposed tax as a "personal attack" and a "profound lack of judgment."

Fox News - Ackman expressed concern that Mamdani's policies could scare away business leaders like Griffin.

Fox News - Ackman stated that Mamdani's rent freeze policies are "very bad for New York."

Fox News - Ackman noted that the rent freeze creates an "entirely unfair system" for landlords.

WHERE:

Fox News - The criticism was made in a podcast interview.

Fox News - The proposed tax video was filmed outside Ken Griffin's apartment.

WHEN:

Fox News - Mamdani was elected in November 2025 and sworn in on January 1, 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - Ackman believes Mamdani's decisions are discouraging investment and development in New York City.

Fox News - Ackman argues that the revenue from wealthy individuals is necessary to fund Mamdani's initiatives.

HOW:

Fox News - Ackman suggested that developers are not willing to invest in New York due to the unfriendly environment for landlords.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 15:28 UTC)

In a recent podcast interview, Bill Ackman criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policies, calling them "disastrous for New York City" and expressing concern that they could scare away business leaders like hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin. Ackman specifically pointed to a proposed tax on second homes worth more than $5 million, which Griffin labeled a "personal attack" and a sign of "profound lack of judgment." Ackman also argued that Mamdani's rent freeze policies create an "entirely unfair system" for landlords and discourage investment and development in the city, emphasizing the need for revenue from wealthy individuals to fund Mamdani's initiatives.