New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is under criticism after taking credit for a reported $104 million increase in tips for food delivery workers. Mamdani attributed the increase to changes in Uber Eats' and DoorDash's apps that made tipping more prominent, stating, "We've put $104 million back in delivery workers' pockets."

However, these changes originated from a city law approved by the New York City Council before Mamdani took office. Former Mayor Eric Adams neither signed nor vetoed the measure, allowing it to become law after 30 days. The tipping rules took effect in January under Mamdani's administration, which implemented and enforced the requirements.

Prior to the law's implementation, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection found that Uber Eats and DoorDash had hidden tip buttons and set default tips below 10%, contributing to a 79% decline in tips for delivery workers.

Mamdani's office rejected criticism that the mayor was taking credit for someone else's work, arguing that while the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection pushed for the reforms before his term, the rules were enforced starting in January under his administration.

Conservatives and political commentators criticized Mamdani on social media, citing already high costs of goods and services in New York City and accusing him of taking credit for legislation enacted before his tenure. Former Mayor Adams commented, "He had literally nothing to do with this. City Council passed the bill last August and Eric Adams never signed it. 30 days the bill became law. It went into effect when Mamdani was in office. He just taking the credit."

In addition to the tipping controversy, Mamdani announced plans for five upcoming city-owned grocery stores offering a 30 percent discount on produce, meat, bread, and milk when they open next year.

"A law is only as good as its implementation," a source noted, highlighting the ongoing debate over the policy's effects.

Sources