Sean Penn just became the newest old-school Democrat celebrity to turn on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his communist agenda. The Oscar-winning actor, who has spent decades on the far left of Hollywood politics, says the mayor’s new tax plan crossed a line. And for once, Penn says, it’s personal.
“I’ve done well, and chipping in what I owe has never bothered me,” Penn said. “Now this guy’s coming for 30 percent of what I have.”
Penn made the comments during an interview this week, sounding more frustrated than angry. He said he had always supported higher taxes on the very rich and still believes in paying a fair share. What he didn’t expect was for the city to come after people like him.
According to Penn, he’s no billionaire and doesn’t belong in the “uber-wealthy” bucket.
“I act for a living,” he said. “I’m not some CEO sitting on 10 apartments all over town.”
Mamdani’s plan, part of a broader push to fund his long list of promises, targets New Yorkers with high net worth and multiple properties. The mayor has described it as a way to make sure the city’s richest residents help pay for free buses, rent freezes, and public grocery stores.
Penn says the problem is where the line was drawn. “When they said billionaires, I nodded along,” he said. “Then it turned out ‘billionaire’ means anybody with a decent career and a place in the city.”
Penn has a long history of political activism. He has traveled to war zones, met with controversial foreign leaders, and campaigned for progressive candidates for decades. Few people in Hollywood have been more consistent in backing left-wing causes.
That’s what makes his break with Mamdani stand out. He joins a growing list of celebrities and longtime liberals who say the mayor has gone too far, including several who backed him during the campaign.
“It’s a pattern now,” said one Democratic strategist in New York. “People who helped build the movement are getting pushed out by it.”
Some of Penn’s critics weren’t sympathetic. Online, many accused him of being fine with socialism until it came for his own wallet. Others said he should be grateful for his success and stop complaining.
“He’s spent thirty years telling everyone else to pay more,” one commenter wrote. “Welcome to the club, Sean.”
Mamdani’s office didn’t back down. A spokesperson said the mayor respects Penn’s work but that “every New Yorker with significant wealth will be asked to contribute,” regardless of their profession.
Penn says he hasn’t decided whether he’ll stay in the city. He didn’t rule out leaving.
“I love New York,” he said. “But I’m not going to stand here and get robbed by someone I agreed with.” Mamdani’s chasing the old guard out to make room for a younger batch of commies.