Elon Musk criticized Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani’s selection of Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY commissioner, posting on X that "people will die because of this" and arguing that operational firefighting experience matters. Mamdani defended the pick, highlighting Bonsignore’s 31‑year FDNY career and leadership of EMS during the COVID‑19 pandemic, and noted she was the first woman to reach a 4‑star rank in the department. Bonsignore, who retired in 2022, will be the second woman and the first openly gay person to lead the FDNY; the appointment has prompted debate about the skills needed to run the agency.
Elon Musk Says ‘People Will Die’ After Mayor‑Elect Mamdani Names Lillian Bonsignore FDNY Commissioner
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Lillian Bonsignore during a news conference announcing her appointment as the future FDNY commissioner Tuesday.
Elon Musk sharply criticized New York City Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani’s choice of Lillian Bonsignore as Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) commissioner, warning on X that “people will die because of this.” The post raised a public debate over operational firefighting experience and leadership qualifications for the city’s top fire official.
Mamdani, who will be sworn in on Jan. 1, announced this week that he had chosen Bonsignore — a 31‑year FDNY veteran who led Emergency Medical Services operations during the COVID‑19 pandemic — to lead the department. Bonsignore retired in 2022 and will be only the second woman to serve as FDNY commissioner and the first openly gay person to hold the post.
What Musk Said
“People will die because of this,” Musk wrote on X, adding that “proven experience matters when lives are at stake.”
Mamdani’s Defense
Mamdani defended his selection on X and in public remarks, noting Bonsignore’s long tenure and leadership in EMS. He described her as “the first woman to achieve a 4‑star rank in FDNY history,” and said she would bring “crisis leadership and operational expertise to this administration.” Responding directly to Musk, Mamdani wrote, “Experience does matter, which is why I appointed the person who spent more than 30 years at EMS — the workforce that addresses at least 70% of all calls coming into FDNY.”
Elon Musk criticized NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani over his FDNY commissioner pick this week.
Bonsignore’s Response
At a Tuesday news conference, Bonsignore said, “I am honored, so honored, and humbled to stand before you as the new fire commissioner. This appointment represents a significant responsibility, one I accept with humility, dedication and a deep sense of commitment to the city and its people.”
Context And Reaction
The appointment highlights both a diversity milestone for the FDNY and a debate about what experience best prepares someone to lead a large, complex public safety agency. Supporters point to Bonsignore’s decades of EMS leadership and crisis management during the pandemic; critics, including Musk, emphasize the value of traditional operational firefighting experience.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams also made a personnel announcement this week, naming FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra to serve as commissioner for the remainder of his term. Fox News Digital has reached out to the FDNY and Mamdani’s team for comment.
Why It Matters: The FDNY oversees both firefighting and emergency medical services in New York City. The choice of commissioner will shape the department’s priorities, operations and leadership culture as a new mayor takes office.
