Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, traveled to Mallorca, Spain, for an Islamic 'spiritual wellness' retreat during the Fourth of July weekend, while the nation celebrated America's 250th anniversary. The retreat, organized by The Women Sanctuary, focused on sacred flora in Islamic texts and cost $3,400 per attendee. Duwaji is also scheduled to host another retreat in Corsica, France, later this month.
Criticism from Republican officials followed, with Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) and Councilman Frank Morano (R-Staten Island) expressing disappointment over her absence from the semiquincentennial celebrations. They argued that as the city's First Lady, Duwaji should have participated in the milestone events. The mayor's office confirmed Duwaji was not accompanied by taxpayer-funded NYPD security during her trip.
Duwaji, a Syrian-American artist, has faced scrutiny over past social media posts, including criticism of U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts. The New York Post reported that she previously reposted statements condemning American soldiers as 'mercilessly slaughtering 3rd world civilians.' Mamdani, meanwhile, delivered a speech ahead of the July 4 weekend criticizing ICE agents and Elon Musk, framing his remarks around themes of 'supremacy' in America.