REPORT: Senate Launches Investigation Into Mayor Mamdani, Threatens Taking $2.2 Billion In Federal Funding

February 8, 2026

From the Daily Caller: Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy announced Thursday the launch of a probe into Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, citing concerns over his “recent actions that embolden antisemitism and put Jewish New Yorkers in harm’s way.”

In January, Mamdani decided not to renew an executive order signed by his predecessor, former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in June 2025 that expanded the definition of antisemitism, as adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Politico reported Thursday. He also failed to renew a separate order signed by Adams in December 2025, which prevented city officials from participating in the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, wrote Wednesday in a letter to Mamdani that he has “serious concerns” about the democratic socialist’s recent rescission of the executive orders.

The senator mentioned the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE) dependence on federal funds, writing that as of June 2025, the city’s DOE’s operating budget “reflected $2.2 billion in total federal funding.” In his letter, Cassidy warned Mamdani that the “continued eligibility for this funding is contingent on compliance with federal civil rights laws and applicable executive orders designed to protect students.”

“Whatever somebody’s ideological background, if they’re in a position of responsibility, they must protect their citizens. Clearly, antisemitism has been on the rise. We must respond to real dangers directed at Jewish students,” Cassidy declared in a post on X.

Cassidy then blasted out a list of demands for Mamdani:

.@NYCMayor, I’m asking that you answer the following questions by February 19th:

(1) How, if at all, does revoking the executive order adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and the executive order barring boycotts of Israel protect Jewish students?

(2) Will your administration adopt a new definition of antisemitism to replace the revoked IHRA definition? If so, please provide the new definition.

(3) What tangible actions, if any, does your administration plan to take to combat antisemitism at schools and on campuses?

(4) Has your administration consulted with the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Justice, or any other federal agency regarding the potential funding implications of rescinding the IHRA-related executive order?

(5) Has your administration issued any guidance to NYCPS regarding how antisemitism complaints will be identified, investigated, and remedied following the rescission of the IHRA definition?

(6) Do you believe that the boycott, divestment, and sanction (BDS) movement against Israel is antisemitic?

How does rescission of the previous executive order related to the BDS movement make Jewish students safer?

The American people look forward to hearing from you within two weeks. 🇺🇸

.@NYCMayor, I’m asking that you answer the following questions by February 19th:

(1) How, if at all, does revoking the executive order adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and the executive order barring boycotts of Israel protect Jewish students?

(2) Will your… https://t.co/z5VwczNV5x

— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 6, 2026