New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s choice for the next chief of the Fire Department of New York has sparked sharp criticism from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, setting off a fresh round of political pushback from the tech billionaire.
Mamdani has named openly gay LGBTQ activist Lilian Bonsignore as the new FDNY chief, a decision that quickly drew a strong reaction from Musk, who warned it could endanger lives. Responding to Mamdani’s announcement post, Musk wrote on X, “People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.”
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The backlash did not stop with Musk. Host of conservative talk show “Infowars” Breanna Morello also weighed in, questioning the appointment and taking a jab at Bonsignore’s background. “Only problem is…she’s never been a firefighter. Word of advice, you can’t put out fires with rainbow flags.”
Mamdani, who is scheduled to take office in the new year, pushed back on the criticism. Responding to Musk’s remarks, he said he understands how critical experience is in a role where lives are on the line. In response, Mamdani wrote, “Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS. You know, the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?”
This is not the first time Mamdani’s picks have landed him in the spotlight. In recent months, the city’s youngest incoming mayor has faced questions and scrutiny over several of his unconventional appointment decisions.
More recently, Mamdani drew attention for bringing on children’s video educator Rachel Griffin Accurso, widely known to young viewers on YouTube as “Ms. Rachel,” a figure who has been outspoken about pro-Palestinian causes.
Mamdani himself has faced repeated accusations of holding anti-Israel views. Beyond that, several other members of his incoming team have previously made headlines for different reasons, adding to the debate over the makeup of his administration and what their combined viewpoints could mean going forward.
Another name that stirred debate was Mysonne Linen, a Bronx born rapper turned activist with a felony conviction for armed robbery, who was added to Mamdani’s transition team. Mamdani tapped Linen to serve on the public safety and criminal justice committees, a choice that has further fueled scrutiny of the administration taking shape.
Mamdani faced heavy backlash over the decision. Critics, including the group “Jews Fight Back” on X, called the appointment “insane,” while law enforcement voices and conservatives slammed the idea of involving a convicted robber in shaping crime policy.
“New York City is being handed over to radicals, extremists and outright terrorists…Watch this space. This is going to get even uglier,” the group said.
Mamdani is set to take over from outgoing Mayor Eric Adams on Jan. 1, 2026.