Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama defended after viral boots spark backlash

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife, Rama, has thankfully been fiercely defended after her choice of footwear sparked major backlash amongst Republicans and MAGA heads alike.

It all started when the New York Post - known for its conservative editorial stance and support for right-leaning politicians, particularly US President Donald Trump - shared a tweet linking to an article captioned: "Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji appears to wear luxury $630 boots to swearing-in ceremony."

The article jabbed that Rama 'gave more socialite than socialist on New Year’s Day as she apparently rocked one of the fashion house Miista’s pricey boot designs'.

It didn't take long for critics and internet trolls to pile on the hate, with one X user snapping: "Imagine all the food that could buy a homeless person on the streets of New York."

"Socialism for thee, but not for me," slammed another as a third piped up: "$630 luxury boots looks like very socialist."

Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji stepped out looking suave during his swearing-in ceremony (Amir Hamja-Pool/Getty Images)

Fortunately, an avalanche of social media users rushed in to defend the talented 28-year-old artist, who tied the knot with self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist Mamdani in early 2025, with many highlighting the irony of such right-wing criticism, pointing out the many lavish expenditures within Trump's family and his administration as a whole.

Others pointed out the ignorance behind the claim that socialism - or being a socialist - means that nobody can have 'expensive' things.

Oh yeah, and a bunch of other supporters totally shattered any alleged outrage after journalist Louis Pisano announced that much of Rama's outfit was either rented or on loan - not purchased.

Rama stunned in a pair of MIISTA boots during the ceremony (BG048/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Her vintage Balenciaga coat was from Albright Fashion Library, and her archival earrings were from New York Vintage, both of which were rented.

Meanwhile, the New York First Lady's shorts were from The Frankie Shop, and the Miista boots were on loan from the brand, styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, who wrote about the look on her Substack.

"Likely to be one of her best pair of shoes on such an occasion. Even teenagers can afford to save up for these. Plus, being socialist in ideology means they likely believe everyone should be able to afford that, and they would work towards that," penned one X user.

The boots were actually on loan (Substack/Gabriella Karefa-Johnson)

A second chimed in: "She dressed up for the biggest moment in her husband's life, oh the horror. I must have missed the $50,000 watch or $30,000 bracelets I see on MAGA women like Kristi Noem."

Sharing a photo of First Lady Melania Trump, who regularly wears designer gear with high price tags, a third wrote: "$15,000 - $40,000 bag but ok."

"Wtf does it matter that they were $630?!? Christ the USA is on fire right now and they’re worried about the price of her boots. I’m betting all the grifters in the White House would pay 10x that for their shoes," hit out a fourth.

"Let's have some perspective," urged a fifth while another commented: "Let’s now do a outfit check on Melania Trump. I dare you. Go!"

A final X user seethed: "Y'all still try this stupid pocketwatching BS, is she supposed to get her boots from Goodwill? You have convinced stupid people this is supposed to be a poverty cult."