Sean Penn has been a reliable voice on the left for most of his life. This week, he broke ranks. The Oscar winner joined a growing list of old-school Democrat celebrities turning on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his communist agenda, after learning how much the mayor’s new tax plan would cost him.
“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.”
“Now he’s coming for 30 percent of what I have,” Penn said again, shaking his head. The bill, he said, came as a shock. He had always supported higher taxes on the wealthy and assumed Mamdani’s plan would hit hedge fund managers and real estate tycoons. He didn’t think he’d end up on the list.
According to Penn, he’s no billionaire and doesn’t belong in the “uber-wealthy” bucket.
“I act for a living,” Penn said. “I’m not some CEO sitting on 10 apartments all over town.”
Mamdani’s plan is part of an ambitious effort to pay for programs he promised on the campaign trail, including free public buses, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores. To raise the money, his administration has targeted New Yorkers with high net worth and significant property holdings.
Penn says the definition of “rich” got stretched too far.
“There’s a difference between a billionaire and someone who’s had a good career,” he said. “This plan doesn’t seem to know that.”
Penn has never been one to keep his politics quiet. He has campaigned for progressive candidates, traveled to some of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian work, and publicly defended leaders many Americans consider dictators. His break with Mamdani surprised a lot of people.
It also fits a pattern. Several well-known New York liberals, including celebrities who backed Mamdani, have spoken out against his tax plans in recent months. Some have already left the city.
“Mamdani’s coalition is shrinking,” said a political consultant who has worked on city campaigns. “The people with money and influence are the first ones heading for the door.”
Penn’s critics didn’t hold back. Many on social media said he was a hypocrite for supporting left-wing policies until they affected him personally.
“Sean Penn discovering taxes is the most 2026 thing ever,” one person wrote.
Mamdani’s office defended the plan. A spokesperson said it was designed to make sure “everyone with significant wealth pays their fair share,” and that “no one, not even a movie star, is exempt.”
Penn hasn’t said whether he’ll leave New York. He did say he has started looking at his options.
“I’ve always believed in this city,” he said. “I’m just not sure it believes in me anymore.” Mamdani’s chasing the old guard out to make room for a younger batch of commies.
