Zohran Mamdani's New York Efficiency Plan Gets An Unexpected Backer: Billionaire Jeff Bezos

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 15:56 IST

Jeff Bezos backs Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new Commission on Government Efficiency, urging savings be used to eliminate income taxes for the bottom half of earners.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has once again entered New York City’s political debate, this time expressing support for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s newly announced government efficiency initiative while renewing his call for tax relief for lower-income Americans.

The exchange began after Mamdani unveiled the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), a new panel aimed at improving the functioning of city government. Announcing the initiative on X, the mayor said the commission would explore ways to make municipal administration “smarter, faster, and more effective" while ensuring taxpayers receive better value for their money.

Mamdani said COGE would hold hearings across all five boroughs and consult union members, community organisers and residents to help build a more responsive and accountable government.

Responding to the announcement, Bezos welcomed the move and suggested that any savings generated through greater efficiency should be used to reduce the tax burden on lower-income households.

“This is great and they do deserve that. And, with some of the savings, we can zero out taxes on the bottom half of earners. The best way to put money in people’s pockets is not to take it out in the first place," Bezos wrote on X.

The comments come days after a public disagreement between the billionaire entrepreneur and the New York mayor over taxation and education spending. During an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Bezos criticised the city’s approach to public education funding, arguing that increasing budgets alone would not solve systemic issues.

Drawing a comparison with Amazon’s operations, Bezos said organisations must focus on efficiency, accountability and measurable outcomes rather than simply spending more money.

“If we ran Amazon the way New York City runs their school system, your packages would take six weeks to arrive. We’d have to charge you a $100 delivery fee. And then when the package did finally arrive, it’d have the wrong item in it anyway," Bezos said.

Mamdani later pushed back against the remarks during an interview with CNN, saying many teachers would disagree with Bezos’ assessment of the city’s education system.

The Amazon founder also reiterated his support for tax cuts for low-income Americans, arguing that the bottom half of taxpayers should pay no federal income tax. Citing tax data, Bezos said the top 1% of earners contribute a significant share of overall tax revenue, while lower-income households account for only a small percentage.

The latest exchange highlights the growing debate over taxation, public spending and government efficiency in New York City, with Bezos and Mamdani offering sharply different visions on how best to improve public services while supporting working families.

News world Zohran Mamdani's New York Efficiency Plan Gets An Unexpected Backer: Billionaire Jeff Bezos

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