Giuliani warns Mamdani could be ‘most dangerous’ NYC mayor if he stops homeless camp sweeps

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani warned Tuesday that Zohran Mamdani could become the city’s most dangerous mayor if he ends sweeps of homeless encampments, arguing that the socialist-leaning mayor-elect misunderstands the homelessness problem. Giuliani told The New York Post that halting removals would leave the city in a precarious position, potentially creating a crisis that would be hard to reverse. He said the policy would ignore the practical realities of dealing with a complex social issue and would, in his view, threaten public safety and stability as Mamdani takes office.

Giuliani described Mamdani’s pledge to stop clearing encampments as a ticking time bomb, noting that many people living on the streets have mental health challenges and can deteriorate when left in isolation. He argued that consistent outreach and engagement are essential components of addressing homelessness, and suggested that reducing or stopping such contact could push already vulnerable individuals toward violence. “The therapy ... is constant talking, constant bringing them out. So think about it, the more they go inward that’s how they go from being a relatively safe person that first goes into homelessness to a killer five weeks later, five months later. So he is going to produce ... possibly the most dangerous thing a New York mayor has ever done,” Giuliani said, linking the approach to a broader public safety concern. He drew a contrast with past leadership and warned that the city could face dangers not seen since the crime era of the early 1990s. Mamdani, flush with support from progressive groups, has signaled a shift away from aggressive encampment removals in favor of policies aimed at addressing root causes and expanding housing options. This stance places him at odds with city officials and communities that favor more aggressive tactics to clear public spaces.

The discussion arrives as Mamdani faces pressure from left-leaning circles within the Democratic Socialists of America and allied groups, who have been vocal in advocating for reform of how the city handles homelessness. The political dynamic is underscored by broader national debates about encampment clearance. An August AP-NORC/Harris poll found 43% of Americans favor clearing homeless encampments compared with 25% who oppose it, highlighting the national divide over how best to balance public spaces with shelter needs. The issue has been shaped in part by a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing cities to regulate where people may sleep in public, a ruling that provides a legal framework for enforcement actions used in many jurisdictions. Washington, D.C., and several states have implemented policies aimed at reducing visible encampments, while others have paused sweeps to emphasize services and housing.

Giuliani praised outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, saying the moderate Democrat inherited a disaster from his far-left predecessor and has “done a pretty good job.” He argued that Adams helped restore a level of public safety that had slipped under previous administrations and suggested the city is not back to where it was under his own tenure, nor is it as far gone as it was under De Blasio. He added that Adams’ decision to retain Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner—an appointment from Adams’ administration—reflects a pragmatic approach, though he warned that the political dynamic in City Hall could shift as the new administration settles in. “Adams has done a pretty good job,” Giuliani said, noting he believes the city is at least halfway back in terms of safety compared to his earlier years in office. He quipped that the City Council should be in Red China, a jab reflecting his frustration with political gridlock, but he stressed that the overall trajectory had improved since the nadir of the Dinkins era.

Mamdani is under intense pressure from the DSA and other left-leaning factions to pursue a softer-on-crime, more humanitarian approach to homelessness. Giuliani suggested that even if Mamdani wants to be reasonable, the political winds inside the city could constrain him. “Even if he wants to be reasonable — which I am not sure he does — they are going to bang him,” he said. The former mayor, who now resides in Palm Beach, Florida, said he still visits New York regularly, including two weeks ago to attend the opera, and he remains invested in the city’s trajectory. He said the city “looks pretty good” and that Adams’ administration deserves some credit for stability, but he urged caution about the direction the Mamdani administration might take.

Mamdani’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Beyond the rhetoric, the debate highlights a broader tension over how cities should address homelessness while maintaining public safety. Advocates for rapid housing expansion argue that reductions in encampments without a solid housing plan can perpetuate cycles of homelessness, while critics worry that aggressive sweeps can disrupt vulnerable residents and fail to address underlying causes such as mental health needs, addiction, and insufficient affordable housing. As Mamdani moves from campaign promises to governance, his administration will confront a complex set of demands from both activists and city residents seeking safe streets and humane treatment for those experiencing homelessness. The outcome could influence similar debates in other major U.S. cities, where administration styles and policy choices on homelessness continue to be a key political fault line.