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Rama Duwaji Debuts With The Cut Cover, Outlines First Lady Priorities

Her first in-depth interview signals a plan to keep her art practice active while using the role to champion emerging New York talent.

Overview

  • Rama Duwaji, 28, gave her first major media interview since the campaign in a The Cut cover story, marking her public introduction as New York City’s incoming first lady.
  • She said she will continue working as an artist after Zohran Mamdani’s January inauguration, stressing that she does not intend to pause her career.
  • Describing herself as “not a politician,” she said a top priority will be spotlighting talented but undiscovered artists trying to break through in the city.
  • The couple plans to move into Gracie Mansion when Mamdani takes office, with Duwaji noting she looks forward to exploring the Upper East Side’s museums.
  • The feature drew contrasting reactions, with online praise and celebrity compliments highlighted by lifestyle outlets, while some U.S. coverage revisited past social posts and politically themed artwork reported to include a tribute to Saleh Al-Jafarawi and a piece reading “American imperialism never changes.”