New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared with rapper Cardi B to promote the city’s upcoming Universal 2-K childcare program for two-year-olds. In a video shared online, Mamdani outlined plans for an initial rollout of 2,000 seats this fall, with enrollment opening in June. The appearance, which included a jingle contest judged by Cardi B, is drawing attention on X as users debate the program’s cost and the use of a celebrity to promote it.
During the exchange, Cardi B said, “Free childcare is very important. Sometimes, us women, we can’t really go forward because we don’t have nobody to help us take care of our kids.” Mamdani added, “We’re starting to deliver Universal 2-K this fall, which is just like Pre-K but for two-year-olds” He then invited Cardi B to judge the citywide jingle competition designed to promote the program, which she accepted, saying, “I would judge it for sure.”
The clip circulated widely on X, drawing attention and sparking debate over both the policy and how it is being promoted. Some users criticized the program’s cost and questioned how it would be funded, particularly as the city manages broader budget concerns. Others took issue with the decision to involve a celebrity, arguing that government initiatives should not rely on entertainment-style promotion.
What New Yorkers Are Saying
Some users focused on the city’s finances. “How much is he paying her? The city has a deficit but he’s handing out free services like candy to illegals,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Now you can drop your kids off, stay home, and enjoy the solitude. All on the Taxpayers.”
Others expressed broader dissatisfaction with the mayor’s leadership. “This guy is a dud but NYC just doesn’t want to admit they made a mistake,” one user wrote, while another said, “New Yorkers elected him. They’ll believe anything he says.”
The story highlights debate over the rollout and funding of New York City’s 2-K childcare program and the use of a celebrity to promote it.
