President Donald Trump's former attorney and previous New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, has voiced serious concerns about the potential public safety implications of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's approach to homelessness. Giuliani's comments came as a stark warning, suggesting that Mamdani's intention to halt the removal of homeless encampments might steer New York back to the disorder of the early 1990s.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Giuliani emphasized that many of the city's homeless individuals grapple with severe mental health issues, such as paranoid schizophrenia. He stressed the necessity of engaging with these individuals rather than allowing them to remain isolated in encampments. Giuliani underlined that lack of contact could lead to a deterioration of their condition, potentially escalating to violence.
Giuliani drew parallels between the anticipated situation under Mamdani's leadership and the era of Mayor David Dinkins, noting the surge in violent crime during that period. He was critical of Mamdani's strategy, labeling it as "possibly the most dangerous thing a New York mayor has ever done." His critique extends to the broader implications of unchecked homeless encampments, which he believes could lead to a public safety nightmare.
Public sentiment appears to align with Giuliani's perspective. Polling data from an August AP-NORC and Harris poll indicated that 43 percent of Americans are in favor of clearing homeless encampments, with only 25 percent opposing the measure. Additionally, a 2024 Supreme Court ruling has given cities the legal authority to enforce bans on public sleeping, further cementing the legitimacy of encampment removals.
Giuliani's warning is not without precedent. Even within the Democratic Party, prominent figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have recognized the potential dangers of unsanctioned homeless camps, leading to policies aimed at their dismantlement.
The former mayor also commended outgoing Mayor Eric Adams for his efforts to stabilize the city, which he inherited in a challenging state from former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Giuliani remarked that Adams had made significant progress, despite facing a difficult City Council.
Despite praising Mamdani for retaining Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner, Giuliani expressed skepticism about how long this arrangement would last, given the pressure from left-wing groups within Mamdani's political sphere. Giuliani's concerns extend beyond the immediate policies to the broader influence of the Democratic Socialists of America and the potential for soft-on-crime policies to take root.
Living in Palm Beach but still frequently visiting New York, Giuliani maintains an active interest in the city's future. He concluded his interview by expressing deep concern for what lies ahead for New York, amidst the impending changes in policy and leadership.
