Senate Begins Probe of Mamdani Over Antisemitic ‘Concerns,’ Billions in Gov’t Funds Could Be on the Line – RedState
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani may still be considered to be in his “honeymoon phase,” but he may soon be discovering that it’s much easier to read a book about how to govern as a democratic socialist than to actually do it. So far, Mamdani’s tenure has been anything but a honeymoon for New Yorkers. Between a massive snowstorm where few or no snow plows crossed the streets and mountains of trash piling up, also because of the snow, New York residents seem to have reached the “discovery” phase much faster than expected. But now it might be hizzoner Mamdani’s turn.
Regardless of a person’s ideological background, if they hold a position of responsibility, they must protect their citizens. It is clear that anti-Semitism is on the rise. We must respond to the real dangers directed against Jewish students. https://t.co/VTHeEWEucU
– U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (@SenBillCassidy) February 5, 2026
READ MORE: ‘Frozen to death’: The ‘heat of collectivism’ gets off to a deadly start in Mamdani’s New York
On Thursday, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) announced an investigation into Mamdani. Specifically, Cassidy cited his “concerns” about Mamdani’s “recent actions that embolden anti-Semitism and put New York Jews at risk.” Cassidy’s concerns appear to center around Mamdani’s decision not to renew two executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams. One from June 2025 expanded the definition of anti-Semitism that is aligned with that of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and a December 2025 executive order that banned municipal officials from participating in the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
Cassidy serves as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. In a letter to Mamdani on Wednesday, Cassidy cited the repeal of the executive orders, but also made sure to get Mamdani’s attention with two words that are close to every democratic socialist’s heart: federal funding. The New York City Department of Education relies heavily on $2.2 billion in federal funding. Cassidy’s letter seemed to suggest: “You have received a nice sum of federal money.” It would be a shame to lose her. The letter stated:
Maintaining eligibility for this funding is contingent on compliance with federal civil rights laws and applicable executive orders intended to protect students.
🚨NEWS: Chair @SenBillCassidy has launched surveillance against socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his recent actions that embolden anti-Semitism and put Jewish New Yorkers at risk.https://t.co/EaArqjH8d0
– Senate GOP Aid Committee (@GOPHELP) February 5, 2026
Cassidy also pointed out that:
New York City is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, with approximately 1.77 million Jewish residents, or approximately 9.1% of the state’s total population. Strong leadership against anti-Semitism and discrimination is essential to the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers. As Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, I find it deeply troubling that one of your first official acts as mayor was to revoke two executive orders aimed at protecting students and combating anti-Semitism. It is my duty to ensure that every student feels safe, and at a time when Jewish students are afraid, I fear that your actions will only exacerbate their fears.
But does Zohran Mamdani really have to fear that New York Jews will consider him anti-Semitic? While 63 percent of New York Jews voted for former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the November election, 33 percent, or a third of New York Jews, gave their support to Mamdani.
ALSO READ: Boom: People are already attacking Mamdani as reality sets in
Cassidy looks like he’s ready to play hardball. He asked Mamdani to submit written responses to several questions by February 19. The issues range from providing a new working definition of anti-Semitism to whether his administration will use that definition. What steps, if any, does he plan to take to combat anti-Semitism in New York City public schools and on college campuses?
Zohran Mamdani’s next big lesson as mayor is that he is not the federal government’s worst nightmare and that as soon as he can distribute funds, he can withdraw them.
The notion that New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, would moderate his anti-Israel views after taking office is belied by his choice to head City Hall’s anti-Semitism office, Sun editors writehttps://t.co/1rpqBtIR6z
– The New York Sun (@NewYorkSun) February 6, 2026
Zohran Mamdani is an avowed democratic socialist whose policies are wreaking havoc in New York.
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