NYC mayor blends pop culture and policy with Cardi B childcare push

A lighthearted question turned into a policy moment for Zohran Mamdani, after he was asked to choose between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, and picked Cardi B.

But the answer wasn’t just about music.

Mamdani pointed to an ongoing collaboration with Cardi B tied to New York City’s upcoming 2-K program, a new childcare initiative set to launch in fall 2026. The program will offer 2,000 free seats for two-year-olds, regardless of income or immigration status, as part of a broader expansion of early childhood education.

The partnership includes a jingle contest promoted through Cardi B’s platform, aiming to boost awareness and reach families who might not otherwise engage with city programs.

The moment, shared widely online, highlights a growing trend: the intersection of pop culture and public policy.

Supporters say using major cultural figures helps make government programs more accessible and relatable, especially for younger or underserved audiences. Critics question whether celebrity-driven campaigns risk oversimplifying complex policy issues.

Still, the strategy appears intentional.

Mamdani has been pushing family-focused policies, and aligning with a high-profile artist like Cardi B brings visibility to initiatives that often struggle for attention.

The viral clip shows how quickly a casual, pop-culture question can pivot into a broader conversation about childcare access, affordability, and public outreach in one of the country’s largest cities.