On Thursday, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) founder Jeff Bezos reacted to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new government efficiency initiative just days after the two publicly sparred over whether higher taxes on the wealthy would help working-class New Yorkers.
Bezos Praises Mamdani's New Government Efficiency Push
Mamdani announced the creation of COGE, or the Commission on Government Efficiency, which he said is aimed at making city government "work smarter, faster, and more effectively for working people."
In a post on X, Mamdani said New Yorkers deserve a government that is "as careful with their money as they are."
He later added that the commission would hold hearings across all five boroughs and work with unions, community organizers and residents to help shape reforms.
Bezos shared the post and wrote, "This is great and they do deserve that," adding that government savings could be used to reduce taxes for lower-income households.
"And, with some of the savings, we can zero out taxes on the bottom half of earners," Bezos wrote. "The best way to put money in people’s pockets is not to take it out in the first place."
Bezos And Mamdani Clashed Over Billionaire Taxes
The exchange comes after a public disagreement between the two over taxing wealthy Americans last week.
Speaking on CNBC's "Squawk Box" last week, Bezos argued that increasing taxes on billionaires would not materially improve life for working-class residents.
"You could double the taxes I pay and it's not going to help that teacher in Queens. I promise you," Bezos said.
Mamdani quickly pushed back on X, responding: "I know a few teachers in Queens who would beg to differ."
The mayor has made taxing wealthier residents a central part of his affordability agenda.
Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have also backed a proposed pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes worth $5 million or more, which the mayor says could generate hundreds of millions annually for city programs.
Price Action: Shares of Amazon closed Thursday at $274, up 0.79% and declined 0.40% to $272.91 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings place AMZN in the 95th percentile for Growth, while the stock continues to flash bullish signals across short, medium and long-term time frames.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Lev Radin on Shutterstock.com
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