New York City's Fire Department Commissioner Robert Tucker has publicly explained his decision to resign following the election victory of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani.
Robert Tucker, who is Jewish, will officially step down from his position leading the city's fire department on December 19. His resignation came just hours after Mamdani, who identifies as anti-Israel, defeated both Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and former state governor Andrew Cuomo.
Emotional Departure Revealed
In his first interview since announcing his departure, Tucker described the choice to leave as deeply personal and emotionally charged. Speaking to CBS Mornings, he revealed the fundamental ideological disagreements that made his position untenable under the new administration.
'Look, it's a complicated, emotional decision to leave,' Tucker stated. 'But ideologically, there's no doubt that the mayor and I disagree on some very fundamental things to me.'
The Commissioner confirmed that Mamdani's political stance played a significant role in his decision. 'I think it's a factor in my decision to resign, no doubt,' he said. 'And I don't want to tell you that it's the only factor. But I believe that the things that I have heard the mayor say would make it difficult for me to continue on in such a senior executive role in the administration.'
Trust Issues with First Responders
Tucker expressed concerns about the incoming mayor's relationship with emergency services, noting that Mamdani - who previously advocated defunding the New York Police Department - faces substantial work to earn the trust of first responders.
'More importantly than hearing it, we want to see it,' Tucker emphasized, highlighting that actions would speak louder than words. He specifically mentioned that Mamdani should have responded more quickly to condemn a recent protest at an Upper East Side synagogue.
'You know, I don't know that the public has heard appropriately from him,' Tucker added, suggesting the mayor-elect needs to be more vocal in his support for the Jewish community and emergency services.
Communication Breakdown
While New York City's current police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, has agreed to remain in her position, Tucker revealed that the mayor-elect's team has not made any contact with the Fire Department.
'I haven't had any personal conversations with the mayor-elect. I haven't heard from anyone in his incoming administration, nor has the department,' Tucker disclosed.
He expressed hope that this communication gap doesn't indicate the new administration's attitude toward the FDNY. 'I'd like to think they think everything is going so well here that they don't need to transition so fast.'
The political landscape shifted further when Mamdani met with former President Donald Trump last week. Following their discussion, Trump decided to pause plans to send the National Guard to New York City.
When questioned by MS NOW reporter Akalya Gardner about whether he would proceed with his original plan, Trump responded: 'If they need it. Right now, other places need it more, but if they need it.' The former president spoke positively about his meeting with Mamdani, despite their significant political differences.
This represents a dramatic change from several months ago when Trump insisted on deploying troops to New York City as part of his broader strategy that included similar promises for Chicago, Illinois.
The extraordinary meeting between Trump and Mamdani saw the political rivals setting aside their differences. In a telling moment during their interaction, when a reporter questioned Mamdani about previously calling Trump a 'fascist,' the former president interjected with 'You can call me it,' suggesting the young politician had made a strong impression during their discussion.
