Pete Davidson calls out NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani over highway mess
Comedian Pete Davidson Urges NYC Mayor to Fix BQE on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
A laugh‑filled moment on Monday night’s late‑night show turned into a public plea for infrastructure improvements, as comedian Pete Davidson asked New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, to repair the Brooklyn‑Queens Expressway (BQE). The request, made during a brief segment on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in Los Angeles, drew cheers from the studio audience and prompted Mamdani to outline the city’s long‑term plans for the highway.
The Moment
During a pre‑taped introduction, host Jimmy Kimmel announced that Mamdani would be the next guest. He then posed a question to Davidson, a lifelong New York resident, asking whether he had any questions for the mayor. Davidson replied, “Yes, could he fix the F‑g BQE, please?” The comment was shared on the show’s Instagram page and quickly went viral.
Kimmel noted that Davidson’s line “hit on something.” The studio audience erupted in applause, and Davidson grinned, remarking that the reaction was “the loudest response I’ve ever gotten.”
Davidson’s Frustration
The comedian explained that the BQE has been under construction for decades, yet he feels the city is “never doing anything.” He described a scene of “cones around” the road and a lone worker eating a sandwich while traffic rattles on. “So I don’t know what mob front or whatever… just fix it, please,” Davidson added, using a blunt tone that resonated with viewers.
Kimmel then handed the mayor a note containing Davidson’s question, and Mamdani replied that his office has a $4 billion BQE Central Project in the works. “We’re gonna be putting a multi‑billion dollar plan to actually repair the part the city owns,” Mamdani said. The plan targets the segment between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street—an area deemed most at risk—and is slated to begin in 2030, with completion projected within ten years.
Mamdani emphasized that the project would not divert traffic into local neighborhoods and would prioritize safety. He added that the city’s approach would avoid the “conveyor belt” of endless construction that Davidson described.
Background on the Key Players
Pete Davidson – 32‑year‑old comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member known for his candid, sometimes controversial humor. He has made public remarks about politics, including support for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and criticism of former President Donald Trump.
Zohran Mamdani – 34‑year‑old Democratic socialist who won New York City’s mayoral race in November 2023. He took office on January 1, 2024, after a grassroots campaign that leveraged social media.
Jimmy Kimmel – 58‑year‑old late‑night host who has built a reputation for blending humor with topical commentary.
Reactions and Context
The BQE, a critical artery linking Brooklyn and Queens, has long faced criticism for congestion and aging infrastructure. While the city’s current plan is still in the planning stages, residents and commuters have called for immediate action. Davidson’s on‑air appeal captured a broader frustration with what many see as stalled progress.
Mamdani’s response, while outlining a long‑term strategy, did not address immediate fixes or a shorter construction timeline. Critics may view this as a missed opportunity to satisfy the public’s demand for swift improvements.
Beyond the Segment
The conversation on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was a brief interlude in a larger episode that also featured other guests. The mayor’s appearance, however, provided a platform for him to address the BQE issue directly, a topic that remains central to New York City’s infrastructure agenda.
As the city moves forward with the BQE Central Project, residents will watch closely to see if the plan delivers on its promise to restore safety and reduce congestion on one of the city’s busiest highways.