Elon Musk ripped into New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani after his pick for FDNY commissioner sparked an immediate backlash.
Mamdani announced Lillian Bonsignore as the next head of the Fire Department of New York, a decision Musk says could cost lives.
“People will die because of this,” Musk wrote on X, responding to a clip pointing out that Bonsignore has never fought a fire.
“Proven experience matters when lives are at stake,” he added.
The warning went viral almost instantly, racking up more than 25 million views within 24 hours and igniting a firestorm across social media.
Bonsignore spent more than three decades with the FDNY as an emergency medical technician and later served as EMS chief before retiring in 2022.
What she has never done is work as a firefighter.
That fact became the center of criticism from Musk and several conservative commentators who argue operational command matters in crisis situations.
Mamdani, who is set to be sworn in Jan. 1, announced the appointment earlier this week.
Bonsignore will become just the second woman to lead the FDNY and the first openly gay commissioner in department history.
Her appointment was endorsed by the three unions representing firefighters, officers, and EMS personnel.
Despite that support, critics say leading the largest fire department in the country requires firsthand fireground experience.
Megyn Kelly weighed in bluntly, posting, “Here we go again.”
Conservative commentator Breanna Morello mocked the appointment, writing, “You can’t put out fires with rainbow flags.”
RightLine News executive Eric Daugherty called it a “train wreck” and said he was relieved not to live in New York City.
Musk’s warning struck a nerve as concerns over public safety continue to dominate headlines in the city.
Supporters of the appointment pushed back hard.
Retired NYPD Lieutenant John Macari argued that prior commissioners also lacked firefighting experience, per the New York Post.
He noted that the majority of FDNY calls are medical emergencies, not fires.
Former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh praised the decision, saying Bonsignore was the right choice and that experience managing large organizations matters more than firehouse credentials.
Kavanagh herself did not have firefighting experience when she was appointed under Mayor Eric Adams.
Bonsignore is expected to officially take command once Mamdani is sworn in.
The controversy highlights a growing divide over leadership standards in major American cities.
Critics say progressive leaders prioritize symbolism over competence.
Supporters argue modern departments require administrative skills more than traditional backgrounds.
Musk made clear where he stands.
In his view, running a fire department without operational firefighting experience is not an abstract debate.
It is a matter of life and death.
And he is betting the consequences will arrive fast.
