On Friday, Elon Musk denounced New York City Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani's decision to appoint Lillian Bonsignore -- a veteran of the Fire Department of New York's (FDNY) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) -- as the next fire commissioner, warning that "people will die" due to her having no "proven experience" in firefighting. Mamdani has since reacted to this.
Mamdani's selection of Bonsignore has generated controversy and debate about experience, representation, and the future direction of the nation's largest fire service.
Bonsignore, an openly gay veteran of EMS, becomes not only the second woman to lead the FDNY but also the department's first openly LGBTQ+ commissioner. The appointment ignited a public exchange, most notably drawing sharp criticism from billionaire entrepreneur Musk and other conservative commentators, raising national questions about qualifications and identity in public leadership roles.
On December 23, 2025, Mamdani announced Bonsignore -- who retired in 2022 after 31 years in FDNY EMS -- as his pick for the commissioner. Despite having never been a firefighter, Bonsignore told NBC New York, "I know the job. I know what the firefighters need, and I can translate that to this administration who's willing to listen."
Musk and other critics argued that her lack of firefighting experience could be dangerous -- Musk warned on his social media platform X that "people will die" as Bonsignore has no "proven experience." In response, Mamdani defended her, emphasizing that EMS personnel handle about 70 percent of all FDNY emergency calls and that Bonsignore's extensive EMS leadership is highly relevant.
In response, Mamdani wrote on X: "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 percent of all calls coming into FDNY?"
Elon Musk responded to Zohran Mamdani's announcement by writing on X, "People will die because of this. Proven experience matters when lives are at stake," referencing Bonsignore's lack of front-line firefighting experience.
Bonsignore will have to navigate both internal department expectations and external scrutiny from political figures and the public. Her appointment is viewed by supporters as a step forward for diversity and inclusion, while critics have focused on the question of operational firefighting experience.
Speculation about departmental performance under Bonsignore's leadership will likely continue as she establishes her administrative agenda and addresses concerns regarding experience and public safety.