Republicans Urge Security Clearance Denial for NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani

A faction of House Republicans is asking the Trump administration to reject federal security clearance for New York City’s incoming Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Representative Andy Biggs from Arizona, accompanied by six members of the House Freedom Caucus, penned a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, claiming Mamdani has ties to “violent movements” and “extremist” backgrounds, making him unsuitable for classified status.

“DHS should deny Mr. Zoran Mamdani security clearance. The federal government bears a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the nation from both domestic and international threats,” the letter states. It goes on to assert that Mamdani’s history of radical associations, negative rhetoric towards the U.S., and support for violent groups render him unfit. Allowing access to classified information could jeopardize the safety of NYPD officers and federal workers.

Allegations of Hostility to Israel Spark Republican Concerns

The letter also pointed out that Mamdani had co-founded a chapter of the Palestinian Justice Student Union at Bowdoin College, alleging that the organization celebrated the Hamas assault on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. Additionally, it mentioned Mamdani’s claims that the FBI had radicalized Anwar al-Awlaki and undermined efforts against terrorism, as well as his appearances with clerics advocating for the destruction of supporters of Israel, alongside praise for Hamas fighters.

Republican lawmakers voiced that granting Mamdani a security clearance might “enable agitators, escalate threats, and put the lives of brave operatives at risk.”

Calls for Revocation of Mamdani’s Citizenship

“His anti-immigration stance could undermine coordination within the federal government, thus threatening national security,” they stated.

Even though the mayor of New York City is not classified as a federal employee, it is customary for them to receive security clearance to stay informed on terrorist threats and national issues that affect the city, which is the largest in the nation.

This letter coincided with Mamdani’s visit to Washington, D.C., where he was meeting President Donald Trump, having won the election earlier this month.

More recently, during the latter part of his campaign, Mamdani appeared to moderate his public stance, expressing a commitment to support all city residents, despite criticisms regarding his previous anti-Israel sentiments and evasiveness on supporting Hamas.

Fox News Digital reached out to both Mamdani’s transition team and the Department of Homeland Security for further comment.