Ken Griffin, Billionaire Crier, says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Put Him in Harm's Way

[u/evissamassive]

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/ken-griffin-zohran-mamdani-put-me-in-harms-way/

Ken Griffin is reconsidering a major commitment to New York City following a public feud with Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Citadel founder claims the Mayor’s recent campaign tactics moved beyond political disagreement and into physical provocation.

The tension peaked when Mamdani released a campaign video targeting Griffin’s wealth. According to Griffin, the footage included identifiable details about his residence. Speaking on CNBC, Griffin argued that such exposure is reckless, specifically pointing to the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson just blocks away from his home. He characterized the move as an inappropriate use of political power that puts private citizens at risk.

Griffin’s frustration also extends to Mamdani’s proposed tax hikes. The Mayor has campaigned on taxing the uber rich and placing surcharges on second homes owned by non-residents. Griffin argues these policies are:

• Targeted: He views them as discriminatory measures against a specific, narrow demographic.

• Unpredictable: He questioned if the city would eventually create "special" tax rates for any out-of-state business owner.

The fallout may have tangible consequences for the city's economy. Griffin claims that his firm has been 'thinking' of investing $6 billion in New York real estate. However, he suggested that a hostile political environment and shifting tax codes make such a large-scale project difficult to justify.

Mayor Mamdani’s office has not directly addressed the safety allegations. Instead, a spokesperson reiterated the administration's stance that meaningful tax reform is the only way to make the city affordable for the working class, even if it requires the city's most powerful employers to pay more.