Elon Musk Blasts Zohran Mamdani’s Lesbian FDNY Commissioner Pick [WATCH]

Elon Musk criticized incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday over his decision to appoint a longtime emergency medical services official as the next commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York, prompting a public exchange that drew responses from both Mamdani and the appointee.

Musk, who previously served in President Donald Trump’s administration, reacted after Mamdani announced the selection of Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY commissioner.

Writing on X, Musk argued that the appointment could have serious consequences. “People will die because of this,” Musk wrote.

“Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.”

People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake. https://t.co/HV4kodU2aI

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2025

Mamdani, who is set to take office on Jan. 1, named Bonsignore earlier this week.

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Bonsignore is a 31-year veteran of the FDNY who spent her career within the department’s emergency medical services division.

She led EMS Operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and retired from the department in 2022.

Announcing the appointment on X on Tuesday, Mamdani highlighted Bonsignore’s background and leadership record.

“The first woman to achieve a 4-star rank in FDNY history, she’s joining us as the FDNY Commissioner to bring her crisis leadership and operational expertise to this administration,” Mamdani wrote.

Bonsignore will be only the second woman to serve as FDNY commissioner and the first openly gay person to hold the position.

Following Musk’s criticism, Mamdani defended his choice in a post on X on Saturday, emphasizing Bonsignore’s experience within the department.

“Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS,” Mamdani wrote.

“You know, the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY?”

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? https://t.co/shTYVvvy4C

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) December 27, 2025

Bonsignore addressed her appointment publicly during a news conference on Tuesday, where she acknowledged the responsibility of leading the nation’s largest municipal fire department.

“I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner,” Bonsignore said.

“This appointment represents a significant responsibility, one I accept with humility, dedication and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people.”

The exchange between Musk and Mamdani came during a transitional period for New York City leadership, as outgoing Mayor Eric Adams also announced a separate FDNY-related appointment this week.

Adams named FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra to a senior leadership role within the department.

Adams defended his decision in a statement released Tuesday, emphasizing continuity and experience within city government.

“Under our administration, keeping New Yorkers safe and protected has always been our North Star, and having principled, qualified public servants in place to lead our critical public safety agencies is crucial to fulfilling that goal; there’s no person who meets those high standards (like) Commissioner Mark Guerra,” Adams said.

Mamdani responded to Adams’ announcement as well, signaling that the outgoing mayor retains authority until the end of his term.

“Lillian’s light is one that can’t be dimmed by anything else that takes place,” Mamdani said, according to FOX 5.

“The mayor is free to continue to be the mayor until the end of this year and make decisions as such.”

The FDNY commissioner oversees both fire suppression and emergency medical services operations across New York City, managing tens of thousands of personnel and responding to millions of calls each year.

Mamdani’s appointment of Bonsignore places a career EMS leader at the head of the department as the city prepares for a change in administration at the start of the new year.