New Yorkers, because Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s latest move is raising eyebrows across the city with a controversial pick for his inaugural committee.

On Wednesday, Mamdani unveiled a star-studded lineup for his committee tasked with planning his January 1, 2026, inauguration, including the polarizing children’s YouTuber Ms. Rachel (Rachel Griffin Accurso), alongside figures like Cynthia Nixon, Luis Guzman, and Mets star Francisco Lindor’s podcaster wife, as the New York Post reports.

For hardworking taxpayers in New York City, this decision hits hard, especially when public funds are footing the bill for a lavish street event near City Hall that a veteran consultant called a costly “show,” potentially burdening city budgets already stretched thin.

Committee Composition Sparks Heated Reactions

Among the nearly 50 committee members are left-leaning groups like the NYC Democratic Socialists of America and far-left Jewish organizations described as anti-Israel, such as Jewish Voice for Peace, stoking concerns among conservative observers about balanced representation.

The unpaid, symbolic roles involve brainstorming for Mamdani’s “Inauguration of a New Era” party, expected to draw tens of thousands, though not all members will attend the big day.

Yet, it’s Ms. Rachel’s inclusion that has ignited a firestorm, particularly within the Jewish community, given past accusations from StopAntisemitism of promoting pro-Hamas content and neglecting Israeli children impacted by conflict in Gaza.

Ms. Rachel’s Controversial Past Resurfaces

Back in April, StopAntisemitism urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to probe whether Ms. Rachel was being paid to spread Hamas-aligned misinformation to her vast online audience.

“We urge you and your office to investigate whether or not Ms. Rachel is being remunerated to disseminate Hamas-aligned propaganda to her millions of followers,” wrote Liora Rez, director of StopAntisemitism, in a pointed letter to Bondi.

While Ms. Rachel might have a knack for kiddie tunes, this serious allegation demands scrutiny, not a seat at the table planning a mayor’s celebration—full stop.

Community Voices Concern Over Representation

Critics aren’t mincing words about Mamdani’s choices, especially after another high-profile appointee, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, stepped down last week over antisemitic remarks, further fueling distrust among some New Yorkers.

“If Mamdani sought to reassure Jews that he would be a mayor for ‘All New Yorkers,’ naming this rogue’s gallery to be advisors was not a good way to go about it,” StopAntisemitism stated, cutting to the chase on the perceived slight.

One has to wonder if this committee truly reflects the diverse tapestry of the city or just a narrow slice of progressive cheerleaders.

Inauguration Plans Signal Symbolic Messaging

The inauguration, set for Jan. 1, 2026, with Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders swearing in Mamdani as the 112th mayor, is being staged in the streets near City Hall—a move some see as branding him “the people’s mayor.”

But let’s not kid ourselves; as consultant Hank Sheinkopf noted, this street party, while symbolic, comes with a hefty price tag for the city, raising questions about fiscal priorities in a time of tight budgets.

For parents and retirees watching every penny, Mamdani’s team still has top City Hall posts to fill, and they’ll be hoping for leadership that focuses on real solutions over flashy spectacles—let’s see if this “new era” delivers.