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Mayor Zohran Mamdani finally gets his federal security clearance
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Sep 30, 2026
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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Sep 30, 2026
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has received his federal security clearance nine months after taking office.
The clearance, which is overseen by the FBI, allows the mayor to receive classified briefings on terrorism and other threats to the city.
Mamdani gave the update to reporters on Wednesday.
Mayoral spokesperson Sam Raskin said the clearance had been granted in recent days.
Earlier this month, Gothamist reported that Mamdani’s clearance was taking an unusually long time. Some former officials said the lack of a clearance meant the mayor was unable to get a full picture of a potential or ongoing crisis.
The mayor did not raise the issue with President Donald Trump when the two met last week at Gracie Mansion, according to City Hall.
Mamdani is not the first New York City mayor to wait months for security clearance, though it’s taken significantly longer than it did for two of his predecessors, Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg.
The FBI has undergone a staffing shakeup that has prompted criticism from Democrats and government watchdogs. Trump has revoked clearances for several of his political enemies, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio waited more than a year to receive his security clearance, in part because he applied late.
“It is vitally important for a mayor to have security clearance,” de Blasio said earlier this month. “Every mayor deserves to have all the best information available to be able to protect New Yorkers.”
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new york city
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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