New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is extending an olive branch to one of Wall Street’s most powerful figures.
So far, it appears to be going unanswered.
Mamdani acknowledged Tuesday that he has not heard back from billionaire Citadel founder Ken Griffin after City Hall attempted to smooth over a public feud sparked by the mayor’s campaign against wealthy part-time property owners.
The dispute erupted last month when Mamdani released a Tax Day video filmed outside Griffin’s Manhattan penthouse while promoting a proposed “pied-à-terre tax” targeting luxury residences owned by wealthy individuals who spend only part of the year in New York.
In the video, Mamdani argued the measure would raise at least $500 million annually and singled out Griffin’s reported $238 million property as an example of extreme wealth benefiting from the city’s economy.
Griffin fired back, calling the stunt “creepy and weird” and warning that New York risked driving away successful business leaders and investors.
Appearing on CNN with Kaitlan Collins, Mamdani sought to lower the temperature.
“We’ve reached out to make it clear that I’m willing to meet with any and all business leaders across the city,” he said.
The mayor stressed that he wants to engage with major employers and financial leaders, specifically mentioning Griffin alongside Jamie Dimon and David Solomon.
Mamdani argued that even highly paid workers in New York continue to struggle with affordability pressures, pointing to soaring childcare costs and the city’s broader cost-of-living challenges.
“We are looking forward to partnering with anyone and anyone to deliver on a vision that will take care of everyone across these five boroughs,” he said.
Collins then pressed him on the question many business leaders were likely wondering.
“So have you heard back from him, or you have not?”
“Not as yet,” Mamdani replied with a grin.
The exchange highlights a balancing act facing the progressive mayor.
Mamdani rose to prominence by attacking wealthy interests and promising to “tax the rich.” But now, as the city’s chief executive, he is also attempting to reassure major employers and investors that New York remains open for business.
Griffin has been among the most outspoken critics of that message.
“Mamdani has made it very clear—New York does not welcome success,” Griffin said earlier this month.
Watch the clip below:
WOW: Socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is FORCED to admit Citadel CEO Ken Griffin wants NOTHING to do with him and has yet to speak with him after the Uganda-born national’s administration reached out to him — after he creepily and weirdly stood in front of Griffin’s… pic.twitter.com/rLuHgyZWdS
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) May 27, 2026
