"Experience does matter": Zohran Mamdani responds after Elon Musk says "people will die" over Lillian Bonsignore’s FDNY appointment

Zohran Mamdani has slapped back at Elon Musk's comments regarding Lillian Bonsignore's appointment as FDNY chief. He highlighted Bonsignore's experience with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as the FDNY commissioner on Tuesday, December 22. She becomes the first openly gay chief of the New York fire department and the second woman to hold the post. She will take the reins after Mamdani commences his governance on January 1, 2026.

However, this move also led to some backlash, including from Elon Musk. The billionaire reacted to the appointment on X (formerly Twitter), writing on December 26:

"People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake."

Zohran Mamdani reacted to Elon Musk's post a day later and responded:

"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?"

Lillian Bonsignore served in the FDNY for 31 years before her retirement in 2022. Her appointment comes after Robert Tucker resigned as the FDNY chief in November after Mamdani's mayoral election win over Andrew Cuomo.

Meanwhile, departing mayor Eric Adams chose Mark Guerra as his FDNY commissioner for the final few days of his governance.

Also Read: Megyn Kelly issues 4-word reaction after Zohran Mamdani appoints Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY's first openly gay commissioner

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Zohran Mamdani receives support for Lillian Bonsignore's appointment despite Elon Musk's criticism

NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Campaigns In Brooklyn On First Day Of Early Voting (Image Source: Getty)

While the likes of Elon Musk have raised questions about this appointment, many people have also supported Mamdani and Bonsignore. Laura Kavanagh, who was the first woman FNDY commissioner, lauded the decision in a LinkedIn post, writing:

“When I was sworn in, I said it only meant something to be first if I wasn’t the last. I’m so happy I didn’t have to wait long for that to be the case. Mayor-elect Mamdani has made a terrific choice, and the City and FDNY are lucky to have her.”

Kavanagh served as the FDNY chief from February 2022 to August 2024. Meanwhile, retired NYPD Lt. John Macari also praised the decision, highlighting Bonsignore's immense experience as compared to her predecessors.

During the announcement at the Bayside Historical Society on Tuesday, Zohran Mamdani said:

“I want Lillian’s leadership to be felt, not only as we continue to lower response times and save lives, but as we continue to ensure that FDNY is exactly who New Yorkers turn to in their times of need. "She is the kind of leader I am so proud to have in my administration, and possesses the kind of excellence that stands out even in New York City, where she was born and raised. I am grateful to the Bronx’s own Lillian, for returning to FDNY, and I look forward to watching her thrive in the role,” he added.

Bonsingore, meanwhile, expressed her pride at the appointment and said that he accepts with "humility, responsibility and dedication". She was born in the Bronx, New York, and will reportedly oversee around 11,000 firefighters, 4,500 EMTs, and over 2,000 civilian staff.

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Also Read: Sneako tells Elon Musk to "stay out of NYC politics" after the Tesla founder reacted to his encounter with a Groyper at Zohran Mamdani's party

Edited by Aditya Singh