Pete Davidson Demands BQE Fixes on Kimmel, Mamdani Cites 2030 Start Date
Comedian Pete Davidson used his appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' to directly challenge NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). Davidson expressed frustration over decades of stalled construction and perceived corruption, while Mamdani pointed to a $4 billion rehabilitation plan scheduled to begin in 2030.
Key points
- Pete Davidson appeared on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in Brooklyn on September 28, 2026, and asked host Jimmy Kimmel to relay a question to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- Davidson criticized the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), stating it has been under construction since before his birth and that workers appear inactive, joking about potential corruption.
- Mayor Mamdani responded by highlighting the 'BQE Central Project,' a $4 billion plan to rehabilitate the city-owned section of the highway between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street.
- Mamdani confirmed that construction for this multi-billion dollar repair project is expected to begin in 2030, with a focus on safety and avoiding traffic diversion into local neighborhoods.
- The exchange generated significant audience applause, with Kimmel noting the strong reaction to Davidson's complaint about the highway's condition.
Background
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is a major NYC highway long criticized for congestion and aging infrastructure. Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office on January 1, 2026, after winning the mayoral race in November 2025. This incident occurs as 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' continues its 25th season, following earlier rumors about the show's future that ABC dismissed as speculative in September 2026.
Why it matters
The interaction highlights public frustration with long-term infrastructure projects in New York City and tests the administration's commitment to delivering promised repairs. It also illustrates how celebrity endorsements can amplify civic concerns, potentially influencing public discourse on municipal budget priorities and construction timelines.
What to watch
The city is expected to proceed with the $4 billion BQE Central Project, with construction slated to begin in 2030. Davidson and Mamdani's representatives were contacted for comment but had not responded as of the report's publication. The timeline for the repair remains a key point of contention for residents and commuters.
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