Brian Kilmeade and former NYPD Chief John Chell raised concerns about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s budget allocations, questioning whether diversity and equity programs are being prioritized over public safety as the city debates spending levels and potential property tax increases.

During the discussion, Kilmeade listed a series of budget items tied to equity and inclusion initiatives.

"Racial equity, 4.6 million. Commission on racial equity, 835,000 commission on gender equity, 260,000 for Department of Education, Chief Diversity Officer, 301,000 for three FDNY civilian, Chief Diversity Inclusion officers, there is a title for you. And 118,000 for an FDNY chief diversity, inclusion officers, is that necessary stuff you can't cut that back?"

Kilmeade suggested that such expenditures could face scrutiny as residents confront higher costs. He continued by highlighting additional items included in what he described as Mamdani’s progressive agenda.

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"Yeah. You tell me. I believe he's about to find out. Sadly, Mamdani's progressive agenda includes new budgets, items like 750,000 for art and cultural fund, 800,000 for anti ageism, 437 million for child care vouchers, LGBTQ emergency for 2 million. It goes on and on, and you pointed out his climate change budget. What's he spending on that?"

Chell responded by shifting the focus to crime prevention and the allocation of limited municipal resources.

"And a list of things you do when it comes to public safety, absolutely not. Public Safety has got to be the top of your list. So, something we can't pay for: everything. Everything can't be for free. But what you need is cops out in the street. Tell me how all these programs are going to help when you get robbed in the middle of the street. Tell me how that works."

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Chell argued that while city budgets often include a wide range of social initiatives, elected officials must weigh those programs against core responsibilities such as law enforcement and emergency response.

He maintained that when financial resources are constrained, public safety should remain the primary concern.

The exchange focused on the structure of the mayor’s proposed budget and whether positions such as diversity officers within city agencies are essential during a period of fiscal pressure.

Kilmeade and Chell questioned whether funds directed toward commissions, cultural initiatives, and specialized programs could be redirected to support police staffing and frontline services.

The proposed allocations cited during the discussion include millions of dollars toward racial equity initiatives, commissions focused on gender equity, diversity officers within the Department of Education and the FDNY, as well as funding for art and cultural programs, anti-ageism efforts, child care vouchers, and LGBTQ emergency initiatives.

Chell emphasized that municipal leaders must prioritize public safety before expanding other programs.

He said the city cannot afford to treat every initiative as equally urgent when residents expect basic security and law enforcement presence in their neighborhoods.

As the budget debate continues, questions remain over how the city will balance social program spending with police staffing, emergency services, and broader fiscal responsibilities.

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