Elon Musk has taken aim at New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani over his move to name Lillian Bonsignore as commissioner of the Fire Department of New York, cautioning that the decision could pose risks to public safety. Responding to a video announcing the pick, Musk posted on social media, “People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.
” The clip pointed out that Bonsignore will become the FDNY’s first openly gay commissioner, something Mamdani has presented as part of his wider vision for leadership at City Hall.
Musk’s objections centered on the fact that Bonsignore, even with decades inside the department, has never served as a firefighter. His remarks rapidly circulated online, fueling a broader debate over whether the head of the FDNY must come from a firefighting background or whether experience in emergency management is enough. Bonsignore is a 31-year veteran of the FDNY who began their career as an emergency medical technician in 1991 and later advanced to become chief of the department’s emergency medical services.
People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake. https://t.co/HV4kodU2aI
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2025
They directed EMS operations through the COVID-19 pandemic and retired in 2022. FDNY figures show EMS teams now handle more than 70 per cent of the department’s emergency responses, a number supporters point to as proof of their deep operational and leadership experience.
Mamdani has called the appointment historic, stressing both the symbolic and practical importance of elevating a longtime EMS leader to the commissioner’s office. Backers argue the role is mainly managerial, overseeing strategy, budgets and coordination, while on-the-ground firefighting calls are made by senior uniformed officers with specialised expertise. Critics counter that running one of the largest fire departments in the world demands direct firefighting experience, especially during major blazes, large-scale disasters and complicated rescues. Musk’s comments have sharpened those criticisms and pushed the appointment into a wider national debate over leadership standards, public safety and the way political priorities influence top emergency-service posts in New York City.
