Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
DOT

New DOT Commish Subject of Parody Twitter Account — And it’s Hilarious

The parody account.

Mayor de Blasio's appointment in February of an intellectual property attorney to run the $1.3-billion Department of Transportation may have seemed like a parody but it was not — but Commissioner Hank Gutman now is being parodied on Twitter.

Late on Wednesday evening, someone started tweeting as @hankgutmanDOT — and the tweets appear to be a running list of thoughts an unqualified transportation official might have.

"What is a bicycle for," was the first tweet, posted at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday.

What followed was a hilarious list of things Gutman might be asking Siri and not realizing the thoughts were being broadcast to the world.

"Can police park in bus stops," read one.

https://twitter.com/HankGutmanDOT/status/1385052577583218695?s=20

"Why called open open streets if no cars allowed," read another.

"Elon Musk contact info," is a reference to public officials who believe the Tesla boss and tunneling czar has all the answers.

Streetsblog was also prominently featured.

"Reporter knicks hat streetsblog name," seems to be a reference to our own sartorially spectacular senior reporter Dave Colon.

And "gursh kuntsman age," is an obvious attempt to learn more about Streetsblog Editor Gersh Kuntzman, who is 55.

Here's new Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman in his first virtual presser.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman at his first virtual presser in February.
Here's new Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman in his first virtual presser.

An emergency email to DOT was not returned on Wednesday night.

Streetsblog also reached out to several obvious satirists — Aaron Naparstek and Doug Gordon of the "War on Cars" podcast. Naparstek denied involvement. His theory, based on the followers list, is a Queens parodist. (Gordon also denied involvement.)

Other than Gutman's lack of transportation qualifications, it is unclear what is motivating the parody account, which, at least as of Wednesday night, is just funny and not particularly cruel.

The Gutman parody follows a similar parody account making fun of the mayor. That account, @goodnycmayor, bills itself as the account of a "Competent Mayor Bill de Blasio."

Here are some other great fake tweets:

https://twitter.com/HankGutmanDOT/status/1385043467915694086?s=20
https://twitter.com/HankGutmanDOT/status/1385042933389402112?s=20
https://twitter.com/HankGutmanDOT/status/1385042933389402112?s=20

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Preventable’: Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Two on Third. Ave Corridor Eric Adams Refuses to Make Safer

A motorist struck and killed two men on a strip where Mayor Adams recently shelved a safety redesign amid a backlash from local business interests.

July 11, 2025

Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks

Years of bus priority projects barely made a dent in speeds because Big Apple leaders won't install real bus rapid transit, two recent reports argue.

July 11, 2025

Citi Bike Riders Are Pissed About Eric Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit

Citi Bike's new 15 mph max speed limit is a bad deal for riders and a potential threat to safety, riders said.

July 11, 2025

Friday Video: Cyclists, Check Out Your Next City

Streetfilms' Clarence Eckerson visited London earlier this summer to check in on the Big Smoke's cycling revolution.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Just the News Edition

We've got one more workday before we can hit the beach. Plus the news.

July 11, 2025

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday to close the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025
See all posts