New York City's freshly minted mayor has ignited a firestorm with a single speech that has conservatives on edge.

On Thursday, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist now leading the Big Apple, used his inauguration to champion a shift from individualism to collectivism, drawing fierce criticism from conservatives who see his words as a dangerous nod to socialist or even communist ideals, as the Daily Mail reports.

Mamdani, sworn in with Sen. Bernie Sanders holding a Quran during the ceremony, didn’t shy away from his progressive roots. He proudly pledged to govern as a Democratic Socialist, a label that, while gaining traction since Sanders popularized it, remains a rarity in American politics.

Mamdani's Vision: Collectivism Over Competition

During his address, Mamdani framed his vision as a unifying force, claiming New Yorkers crave solidarity across socioeconomic lines. He even nodded to voters who backed both him and President Donald Trump, suggesting shared frustrations over living costs drove their choices.

But it’s his specific wording that’s raising eyebrows. “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism,” Mamdani declared. If that’s meant to sound cozy, many conservatives aren’t feeling the heat—they’re sensing a chilling echo of failed ideologies.

Collectivism, as a concept, prioritizes group identity over personal goals, often underpinning systems like socialism or communism. Individualism, on the other hand, fuels capitalism with its focus on self-reliance and competition, which supporters argue drives innovation. Mamdani’s critics, including this writer, worry that sidelining personal ambition risks stifling the very engine that made NYC a global powerhouse.

Conservative Backlash Hits Hard and Fast

The backlash was swift, especially on social media platform X, where Mamdani’s comments went viral. Prominent voices like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, and journalist Megyn Kelly slammed the mayor’s rhetoric as anti-American and historically ignorant.

DeSantis didn’t mince words, tweeting about the “warmth” of collectivism that “always requires coercion and force.” That’s a sharp jab, reminding us that collective systems have often led to heavy-handed governance, a far cry from the freedom individualism promises.

The Libertarian Party also chimed in, branding collectivism a “disease, not a cure.” It’s a stark warning that prioritizing the group over the individual could erode personal liberties, a cornerstone of the American ethos.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

Social media users are split, with some decrying Mamdani’s views as contrary to the nation’s values of self-reliance. Others, however, defend him, pointing out that collectivism isn’t synonymous with communism, despite the overlap in conservative critiques.

Even so, the mayor’s detractors aren’t buying the distinction. They argue that any step away from individual responsibility opens the door to economic stagnation and government overreach, burdens that history shows often fall hardest on the working class.

President Trump himself has weighed in, previously labeling Mamdani a “communist” and threatening to pull federal funding during the campaign. Interestingly, after a White House meeting in the wake of the election, Trump softened his tone and offered praise, leaving some to wonder if pragmatism will temper ideological clashes.

Democratic Socialists Rally Behind Mamdani

Mamdani isn’t without allies, as evidenced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introducing him at the inauguration. His progressive platform garnered significant attention during the mayoral race, resonating with those disillusioned by capitalism’s wealth gaps and rising costs.

Yet, for every supporter cheering his critique of unchecked greed, a skeptic is questioning whether collectivism can deliver without crushing the competitive spirit.

New York City, a hub of ambition and enterprise, might just be the ultimate test case for Mamdani’s vision—and conservatives are watching closely to see if it thrives or flops.