Mamdani gets federal clearance for classified briefings

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(The Center Square) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has received his federal security clearance for classified briefings, which comes nine months after he was sworn into office.

Mamdani told reporters at a Wednesday press briefing that he has received official clearance from the Trump administration, following last week's high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence. 

The new federal clearance, approved in the past week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, means the mayor is now able to receive classified documents and briefings related to New York City, which is considered a major target for terrorist attacks. Mamdani's office told reporters the mayor has been receiving information about security issues from New York City Police Department briefings until now.

Mamdani, a former assembly member from Queens, won last year's crowded race for mayor to become the city's first Muslim leader. But he has faced criticism over his previous statements on Israel that critics say legitimize terrorist organizations, such as Hamas. The mayor has repeatedly said his criticism of the Israeli government doesn't equate to support for terrorist groups.

To be sure, Mamdani's lengthy wait for credentials appears to be the norm, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which has faulted the federal government for delays in issuing clearances to elected officials. 

A 2026 report by the federal watchdog revealed that federal agencies are taking an average of seven months to approve about 90% of security clearance requests. The federal government sets a benchmark of 114 days.

It's not clear whether Mamdani's cordial meeting with Trump last week helped grease the wheels on his security clearance approval.

Trump has been accused of revoking similar federal clearances for other Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, both of whom have led criminal and civil cases against the president and his family. 

The president has also stripped former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who served under his first administration, of Secret Service protection. 

And former Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, had his clearance revoked following a federal indictment last year, which was later dismissed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Adam's left office in January after declining to run for reelection amid a swirl of scandals that had engulfed his office.