New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani might still be considered in his "honeymoon phase," but he is no doubt finding out in a hurry that it is much easier to read a book about governing as a Democratic Socialist than actually doing it. So far, Mamdani's tenure has been anything but a honeymoon for New Yorkers. Between a massive snowstorm where few if any snowplows made it through the streets, and mountains of trash are piling up, also because of the snow, New York residents seem to have reached the "find out" phase much quicker than expected. But now, it may be hizzoner Mamdani's turn.
Whatever somebody’s ideological background, if they’re in a position of responsibility, they must protect their citizens. Clearly, antisemitism has been on the rise. We must respond to real dangers directed at Jewish students. https://t.co/VTHeEWEucU
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 5, 2026
READ MORE: 'Dying of Cold': The 'Warmth of Collectivism' Gets Off to a Deadly Start in Mamdani's NYC
On Thursday, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced an investigation into Mamdani. More specifically, Cassidy cited "concerns" over Mamdani's “recent actions that embolden antisemitism and put Jewish New Yorkers in harm’s way.” Cassidy's concerns appear to be with Mamdani's decision not to renew two of former Mayor Eric Adams' executive orders. One from June of 2025 that expanded the definition of antisemitism that is aligned with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and a December 2025 executive order that prohibited city officials from participating in the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
Cassidy is chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. In a letter to Mamdani on Wednesday, Cassidy cited the rescission of the executive orders, but also made sure to get Mamdani's attention with two words close to any Democratic Socialist's heart: federal funding. New York City's Department of Education heavily relies on a whopping $2.2 billion in federal funding. Cassidy's letter seemed to suggest, "Nice chunk of federal dollars you got there. Would be a shame if you lost it." The letter stated:
Continued eligibility for this funding is contingent on compliance with federal civil rights laws and applicable executive orders designed to protect students.
🚨NEWS: Chair @SenBillCassidy launched oversight into socialist New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his recent actions that embolden antisemitism and put Jewish New Yorkers in harm’s way.https://t.co/EaArqjH8d0
— Senate HELP Committee GOP (@GOPHELP) February 5, 2026
Cassidy also went on to point out that:
New York City is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, with approximately 1.77 million Jewish residents—about 9.1 percent of the state’s total population. Strong leadership against antisemitism and discrimination is essential to the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), I find it deeply troubling that one of your first official acts as mayor was to revoke two executive orders designed to protect students and combat antisemitism. It is my job to ensure every student feels safe, and at a time when Jewish students feel scared, I am concerned your actions will only exacerbate their fears.
But does Zohran Mamdani really have to worry that Jewish New Yorkers think he is antisemitic? While 63 percent of New York Jews voted for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the November election, 33 percent, one-third of Jewish New Yorkers, threw their support behind Mamdani.
ALSO READ: Boom: People Teeing Off on Mamdani Already As Reality Sets In
Cassidy appears to be ready to play hardball. He has asked Mamdani to submit answers to several questions in writing no later than February 19. The questions range from providing a new working definition for antisemitism to whether his administration will use that definition. Also, what actions, if any, he plans to take to fight antisemitism in New York Public Schools and on college and university campuses.
Zohran Mamdani's next big lesson in being mayor is that he is not the federal government's worst nightmare, and as quickly as it can dole out funding, it can take it away.
The notion that New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, would moderate his anti-Israel views upon taking office is belied by his choice to lead City Hall’s office of antisemitism, write the editors of the Sunhttps://t.co/1rpqBtIR6z
— The New York Sun (@NewYorkSun) February 6, 2026
Zohran Mamdani is an avowed Democratic Socialist whose policies are wreaking havoc on New York City.
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