Written by Jonathan Hayes.

Newly released text messages between New York Attorney General Letitia James and FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh have unveiled their candid reactions to pro-Trump firefighters. These firefighters booed James during a graduation ceremony earlier this year, exposing tensions within the department.

“I can’t fix them,” Kavanagh, a contentious figure appointed in 2022, wrote to James about the recent graduates who protested. This event occurred just days after James secured a $454 million civil judgment against former President Trump. The messages, first reported by the New York Post, show an apologetic Kavanagh trying to stay on James’s good side after the humiliating incident.

Firefighters’ Protest and James’s Reaction

In March 2024, firefighters chanted “Trump! Trump! Trump!” during James’s speech, demonstrating their discontent. Kavanagh expressed her regret, stating, “I haven’t succeeded. I am sorry that we didn’t stop them and that I can’t fix them.” She also lamented not calling James sooner to apologize for the firefighters’ actions.

Kavanagh, who started her career working on Barack Obama’s political campaigns, assured James of her loyalty. James, visibly upset by the heckling, thanked Kavanagh and acknowledged the need to regain the firefighters’ trust. “Thank you, the guys who were there are new to the dept and don’t know my history as it relates to fdny. We have work to do and I am willing to put in the time. BTW – this is my first time that I have been booed,” she wrote.

Fallout from the Incident

James later texted an unnamed official, expressing regret over attending the ceremony. “I am so sorry [the] episode took away from people being promoted and their families …” she wrote. “I should have taken temperature, checked with [the] department and stayed away. I have to repair relationships with members.”

Following the heckling, Kavanagh initiated an investigation into the firefighters involved in the protest, leading to widespread condemnation from New Yorkers and the fire department union. This move was seen by many as an overreach and an attempt to silence dissent within the ranks.

Our Take

The exchange between Letitia James and Laura Kavanagh reveals a concerning approach to dissent within the FDNY. Rather than addressing the underlying issues, the response was to investigate and potentially punish those who expressed their opinions. This heavy-handed tactic undermines trust and morale within the department. Public officials should focus on fostering open dialogue and understanding rather than silencing opposition. The use of political power to target individuals for their beliefs is a dangerous precedent and does not align with democratic values. The situation calls for introspection and a commitment to protecting free speech and fair treatment for all.