Two influential Democrats with significant roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations have voiced criticism of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Former Clinton adviser Mark Penn criticized Mamdani’s property tax plan, while former Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel recounted a private exchange regarding Mamdani’s stance on Israel.

This criticism is significant because it originates from within Mamdani’s party, highlighting issues in his political rise: his progressive economic policies and his positions on Israel.

Mark Penn’s Criticism

Penn, known for his role as a strategist and pollster for President Bill Clinton, argued that Mamdani’s proposed pied-à-terre tax was misleading. Mamdani’s public database of potential property owners affected was described by Penn as dramatically expansive, affecting nearly a million, opposed to the initially indicated 30,000 luxury homeowners. “The $5 million figure was a fake,” he wrote, questioning the accuracy of the city’s valuation system. He feared it could lead to decreased property values, discourage investment, and raise constitutional concerns.

Rahm Emanuel’s Concerns

Emanuel, speaking on the Unholy Podcast, detailed a 90-minute meeting with Mayor Mamdani. Emanuel expressed his support for certain parts of Mamdani’s domestic policies, such as childcare initiatives. Yet, he challenged Mamdani’s prior use of the phrase “from the river to the sea” regarding Israel. Emanuel argued that such rhetoric, along with advocacy for a “Greater Israel,” would only perpetuate conflict. In response to Emanuel’s comments, Mamdani’s communications director, Anna Bahr, contested the account, albeit without clear reference to what was disputed.

Emanuel’s recent remarks also criticized the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). He asserted that Democratic attention should prioritize winning elections over ideological pursuits, emphasizing strategic electoral victories over abolishing prisons and other institutions.

Request for comments from Penn, Emanuel, and Mamdani’s office had not been addressed prior to public release. Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr reports on politics, military issues, life policy, and cultural topics.