‘People will die because of this’: Elon Musk goes to war with incoming NYC mayor over controversial FDNY appointment

Elon Musk criticized incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for choosing a woman without firefighting experience to lead the Fire Department of New York City. The billionaire, who worked in President Donald Trump’s administration, said the decision could cost lives.

“People will die because of this,” Musk wrote on X. “Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.” His comments sparked a heated exchange with the mayor-elect over what qualifies as proper experience for the role.

According to Fox News, Mamdani, who takes office on January 1, appointed Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY commissioner this week. Bonsignore worked at FDNY for 31 years and led EMS Operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. She retired in 2022.

Mamdani defends his choice with Bonsignore’s EMS background

Bonsignore made history as the first woman to reach a 4-star rank in FDNY. “She’s joining us as the FDNY Commissioner to bring her crisis leadership and operational expertise to this administration,” Mamdani wrote on X. She will be only the second woman to hold the position and the first openly gay person in the role.

Mamdani quickly fired back at Musk on Saturday. “Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS,” he wrote. “You know, the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?” This isn’t the first time Mamdani has delivered sharp responses to critics of his leadership.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Bonsignore said she was both honored and humbled by her appointment, acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with leading one of the city’s most vital departments. She emphasised that the role was not just a professional milestone, but a public trust, pledging to approach the position with seriousness and respect.

“This appointment represents a significant responsibility, one I accept with humility, dedication and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people,” Bonsignore said, adding that her focus would be on service, accountability and supporting the men and women of the department as they carry out their duties across New York City.

Meanwhile, outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams also made his own move on the FDNY front this week, appointing FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra as commissioner. The mayor said Guerra’s appointment would ensure continuity and stability within the department, stressing that his steady hand would be crucial to keeping New Yorkers safe during the transition period.

Mamdani responded to Adams’ competing appointment by defending his choice. “Lillian’s light is one that can’t be dimmed by anything else that takes place,” he said. The mayor-elect also added that Adams is free to make decisions as mayor until the end of the year. The incoming mayor has been vocal about his bold messages to Trump and other political figures.