NYC Mayor’s Snowy Joke Sparks Outcry Over School Closures and Cold Deaths

New York City democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” to deliver a quick five-second joke, but he was met with nearly 30 seconds of standing ovation.

“Jimmy, let me try one,” Mamdani said, joining Fallon during the monologue that featured “it’s so cold in New York City” wisecracks.

A smiling Mamdani was interrupted by a standing ovation before he delivered: “It’s so cold in New York City, the rent froze itself. Good night, everybody.”

Mamdani waved and left the stage, but the rent-control issue has become a serious concern for New Yorkers who fear rising property taxes for homeowners and landlords.

The cold has also been deadly, with at least eight New Yorkers dying outside the city since Saturday.

This weekend’s storm dumped 11 inches of snow on New York City, but Mamdani faced criticism for not permitting a school snow day. Instead, he ordered remote learning for students, a decision that sparked backlash due to technical glitches disrupting schools and families.

Notably, Mamdani avoided a joke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement — an issue he has publicly stated he supports abolishing amid President Donald Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary cities like New York City.