Andy Biggs Questions NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's Security Clearance

Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) sent a letter on November 21 requesting that the Department of Homeland Security deny New York City's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani (D-NYC), access to classified information based on concerns about his past activities.

Biggs, supported by seven other Republican congressmen, outlined his concerns in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The letter references Mamdani's co-founding of Students for Justice in Palestine, and also mentions Mamdani's attendance at rallies featuring the phrase "resistance by any means necessary" and "Globalize the Intifada."

The letter also cited Mamdani's comments about the FBI's role in terrorism cases, his presence at events with religious leaders who supported Hamas, and his criticism of the NYPD as racist. Mamdani has supported reducing police funding and was once arrested at a protest.

"Security clearances are reserved for individuals who can be trusted with the nation's most sensitive materials—a standard Mamdani doesn't come close to meeting," Biggs stated.

“His record is a bold red warning flag. DHS must reject his request without hesitation,” he continued.

Recent President Meeting

On the same day, Mamdani met with President Donald Trump at the White House, in what was described as an unexpectedly friendly meeting. 

This came after months of public conflict, during which President Trump called Mamdani a "communist lunatic" and threatened to cut federal funding to New York City. 

Moreover, Mamdani previously referred to Trump as a "fascist" and "despot."

During their meeting, Trump acknowledged their past exchanges, telling Mamdani with a laugh, "I've been called much worse than a despot." The President suggested they might develop a working relationship.

Mayor-elect Mamdani maintained his views but described the meeting as an opportunity to work together on city matters. The contrasting approaches of Biggs's security clearance challenge and Trump's willingness to engage highlight differing strategies toward the incoming mayor.