WASHINGTON — Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy announced Thursday that he is launching a formal investigation into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, citing concerns over recent decisions that, according to the senator, could “embolden antisemitism and put Jewish New Yorkers in harm’s way.”
The probe comes amid growing scrutiny of Mamdani’s first actions as mayor, particularly his decision not to renew two executive orders implemented by his predecessor, former Mayor Eric Adams. The orders, originally signed in June 2025 and December 2025, were designed to expand protections against antisemitism and to prevent city officials from participating in the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, respectively.
Sen. Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, wrote in a letter to Mamdani that he has “serious concerns” regarding the rescission of these executive orders. The senator emphasized the importance of leadership in protecting vulnerable communities and warned of potential implications for federal funding tied to the city’s Department of Education (DOE).
Executive Orders and Controversial Decisions
According to a report by Politico, Mamdani’s first official actions as mayor included declining to renew Adams’ executive orders. The June 2025 order expanded the definition of antisemitism in line with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s guidelines, while the December 2025 order prohibited city officials from participating in the BDS movement. By rescinding these directives, Mamdani has drawn criticism from multiple political figures, including Sen. Cassidy, who argue that the actions could undermine protections for Jewish students and other community members.
“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,” Cassidy wrote in his letter. “Strong leadership against antisemitism and discrimination is essential to the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers. As Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, 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.”
The senator highlighted that the city’s DOE relies heavily on federal funding, noting that as of June 2025, the department’s operating budget included $2.2 billion in federal allocations. Cassidy warned Mamdani that the city’s continued eligibility for these funds is contingent upon compliance with federal civil rights laws and applicable executive orders designed to protect students.
Concerns Over Jewish Student Safety
In his letter, Cassidy stressed the importance of ensuring that all students feel safe in schools and other public institutions. “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,” he wrote.
The senator’s statement comes amid broader national conversations about the rise of antisemitic incidents. Cassidy, in a social media post Thursday, emphasized that public officials, regardless of ideological background, have a responsibility to protect citizens from discrimination and harm. “Clearly, antisemitism has been on the rise,” he wrote. “We must respond to real dangers directed at Jewish students.”
Mamdani’s Controversial History
Mayor Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Party and self-described democratic socialist, has faced scrutiny over past rhetoric concerning Israel. He has previously been criticized for failing to explicitly condemn the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” widely interpreted as a call to violence against Jewish people.
Observers note that Mamdani’s stance on these issues, combined with the rescission of executive orders protecting students, has fueled bipartisan concerns about the safety of New York City’s Jewish population. Cassidy’s probe is seen as an effort to assess whether Mamdani’s actions could jeopardize federal funding while also addressing potential civil rights violations.
Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation regarding the senator’s probe or the executive orders.
Federal Funding Implications
Sen. Cassidy’s letter makes clear that the investigation will focus, in part, on compliance with federal funding requirements. The DOE’s reliance on $2.2 billion in federal funds means that any failure to comply with civil rights protections, including anti-discrimination measures, could trigger consequences for city budgets and programmatic operations.
Cassidy warned that the continued provision of federal funds is contingent upon adherence to laws and directives designed to ensure equitable and safe educational environments. He cited the rescission of executive orders as a potential violation of these requirements, noting that federal oversight may be necessary to safeguard student welfare.
Reactions and Political Context
Cassidy’s announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of elected officials’ handling of civil rights and anti-discrimination measures. The senator’s investigation underscores the tension between local governance decisions and federal oversight, particularly when large sums of public funding are at stake.
Political analysts suggest that the probe may also have broader implications for Mamdani’s political career and for national conversations about antisemitism and educational policy. Some Democratic officials have defended the mayor’s right to adjust executive orders, framing the changes as part of his broader policy priorities, while Republican leaders have framed the rescissions as a serious lapse in leadership.
“Whatever somebody’s ideological background, if they’re in a position of responsibility, they must protect their citizens,” Cassidy wrote in a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Strong leadership against antisemitism and discrimination is not optional; it is essential.”
Background on New York City’s Jewish Population
New York City is home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, with approximately 1.77 million residents, representing roughly 9.1 percent of the state’s population. Advocacy groups and community leaders have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining policies and executive orders that safeguard Jewish residents from harassment, discrimination, or violence.
The rescission of Adams’ executive orders has been interpreted by some as potentially weakening protections against antisemitism, especially in schools where students are particularly vulnerable. Cassidy’s probe seeks to evaluate these risks and determine whether federal intervention may be warranted to maintain compliance with civil rights obligations.
Potential Outcomes of the Investigation
Sen. Cassidy’s inquiry could lead to a range of outcomes, from recommendations for policy adjustments to federal oversight or conditions tied to DOE funding. The investigation is also expected to examine whether Mamdani’s previous statements or policy decisions may have contributed to an environment in which antisemitic actions could occur.
Legal experts note that investigations of this type are often multifaceted, assessing both compliance with existing laws and the potential for corrective measures to ensure public safety. The outcome could influence not only Mamdani’s administration but also broader municipal practices regarding civil rights protections and anti-discrimination enforcement.
Broader Implications
The probe highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism in major U.S. cities and the role of elected officials in responding to these threats. Advocates argue that maintaining strong executive orders and civil rights safeguards is critical to protecting minority communities and ensuring safe learning environments for all students.
Sen. Cassidy’s actions signal a federal commitment to oversight when local decisions may conflict with civil rights protections. Observers note that the case could serve as a precedent for how the federal government engages with municipal leadership on issues involving discrimination, funding compliance, and community safety.
Conclusion
Senator Bill Cassidy’s launch of an investigation into Mayor Zohran Mamdani underscores the federal government’s scrutiny of local decisions affecting civil rights and student safety. With New York City’s large Jewish population and the Department of Education’s reliance on billions in federal funds, the stakes are high.
The probe will examine whether Mamdani’s rescission of executive orders protecting Jewish students and prohibiting participation in the BDS movement complies with federal civil rights requirements and ensures safe educational environments. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to draw attention from both political leaders and the public, highlighting the delicate balance between local autonomy and federal oversight.
While Mamdani has yet to publicly respond to the inquiry, the senator’s statements emphasize accountability and the federal government’s role in protecting citizens from discrimination and antisemitism, reinforcing the broader message that public officials must prioritize the safety and welfare of their communities.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
