New York Tenant Advocate’s “Seize Property” Push Sparks Outrage as Republican Criticizes Shift Toward Collective Ownership

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., declared Cea Weaver—New York City’s recently appointed director for the mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants—is “absolutely insane,” according to remarks he made on Newsmax’s National Report Monday.

“Their entire philosophy involves seizing control of private property and repurposing it for the so-called collective good,” Lawler stated, referencing a recent clip of Weaver arguing that property has been treated as an individual good for centuries and must transition to a “shared equity” model where assets become collective resources.

Lawler questioned why New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani would not relinquish Gracie Mansion if committed to this vision, adding: “Why doesn’t [Mamdani] give up Gracie Mansion and let homeless veterans stay there?” He emphasized his district—just north of Manhattan—is primarily single-family residential, noting, “I don’t think any of my constituents will go along with the concept of having their private property seized by the government.”

Lawler drew parallels to Venezuela’s political landscape, stating: “There’s a reason the Venezuelan people are cheering in the streets” following Nicolás Maduro’s arrest. He asserted socialism has failed repeatedly, citing Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth as evidence that “collectivism over the last 15 years under Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro” destroyed what could have been an economic powerhouse.

Weaver previously stated on June 13, 2018: “Seize private property!” In a resurfaced clip, she also noted that treating property as a collective good would alter how families—particularly white families—relate to their assets.

Mamdani’s office described Weaver as a “nationally recognized affordable housing and tenants’ rights advocate” with roles overseeing tenant organizing and pro-tenant legislation.