Outrage rippled through conservative social media circles Friday after New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced he would appoint Lillian Bonsignore as the next FDNY commissioner, a historic selection that will take effect when he assumes office on Jan. 1.
Mamdani praised Bonsignore while announcing the appointment earlier this week, saying he was proud the 31-year veteran of the FDNY, who served as chief of EMS operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, will make history “as the first openly gay person to head up the department,” and only the second woman to lead it.
But not everybody was on board with the Democratic Socialist's selection, with the announcement drawing fire from conservative figures across social media who quickly pointed out that Bonsignore has never actually served as a firefighter.
“People will die because of this,” billionaire and former DOGE official Elon Musk posted on his social media platform X. “Proven experience matters when lives are at stake.”
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz followed with a sarcastic knock at Mamdani’s pick.
“A great idea!” Cruz wrote on X. “Unless there’s a fire….”
Other conservative figures were even harsher. Sean Nienow, a former Minnesota state senator, told his social media followers: “The new FDNY Chief doesn't know anything about firefighting but is an expert in pronouns and pointing out perceived homophobia. What could possibly go wrong there?”
MAGA influencer Paul A. Szypula added: “That’s like having a lifeguard who can’t swim.
“Worked out great for LA in January so why not,” former MAGA Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-NY) posted on X in an apparent reference to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who conservatives targeted during the city's devastating wildfires in January.
Mamdani takes office Jan. 1 in the nation’s largest city.
People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake. https://t.co/HV4kodU2aI
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2025