Investor Kevin O’Leary praised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s (D-N.Y.) social media strategy, saying his controversial proposals generate massive attention and allow him to dominate the political conversation without paying for traditional publicity.
O’Leary Praises Mamdani’s Social Media Strategy
On Sunday, O’Leary took to X to praise Mamdani’s ability to turn provocative political ideas into viral moments.
"Mamdani is a genius at social media," O’Leary wrote.
He added, "Every outrageous proposal generates headlines, millions of views, and new eyeballs without him having to pay for the attention."
O’Leary said his praise was focused on Mamdani’s communication strategy rather than his political views.
"Whatever you think of his politics, I have to give credit where it’s due," he wrote.
Mamdani’s Media Strategy
In the NewsNation interview, O’Leary said Mamdani was getting "global headlines on every outrageous proposal" and "dominating social media and the media."
He also singled out Mamdani’s social media director, saying he met her at the Marty Supreme premiere in New York and "practically begged her" to join him.
"She’s so damn good at what she does in reducing customer acquisition costs," O’Leary said.
He argued Mamdani "acquires new eyeballs for free every day" because of the attention generated by his controversial positions.
"There isn’t a single politician that’s nailing social media the way he is," O’Leary said, urging candidates to learn from Mamdani’s digital strategy ahead of the midterms.
Mamdani is a genius at social media. Every outrageous proposal generates headlines, millions of views, and new eyeballs without him having to pay for the attention. Whatever you think of his politics, I have to give credit where it’s due.
— Kevin O'Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) August 16, 2026
I even tried to hire his social media… pic.twitter.com/4l6UrgbnAw
Mamdani’s Pied-à-Terre Tax Proposal
Last month, Mamdani said the city had begun notifying owners of luxury second homes worth more than $5 million about his proposed pied-à-terre tax, with the revenue expected to support parks, libraries and schools.
Read Also: Mark Cuban Says Most Democrats Are Terrible at Messaging — But 2 Rising Stars Get It
Cuban Praised Mamdani’s Social Media
Earlier, Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban praised Mamdani’s social media strategy after the mayor’s office released a creative video promoting a rent freeze for about one million rent-stabilized apartments.
Cuban said, "Social media is an important skill. He nails it," while questioning whether the policy would work.
His comments followed a 7-1 vote by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board to freeze rent increases on one- and two-year leases for roughly one million rent-stabilized apartments.
O’Leary Slams Mamdani’s Tax and Grocery Plans
O’Leary criticized Mamdani’s 30% grocery discount plan and proposed tax hikes, arguing they could increase costs for taxpayers and push wealthy New Yorkers to lower-tax states such as Florida.
He also joked that he expected to meet Mamdani in Miami within 12 to 18 months and give him a "Real Estate Agent of the Year" award for driving New Yorkers out of the state.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
