Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is under fire for what some are calling "Nixonian tactics" after her administration confirmed the creation of a list of her most outspoken critics, which was then shared with local law enforcement. Wu's spokesperson, Ricardo Patron, explained that the list was compiled at the request of the Boston Police Department following months of harassment and intimidation directed at the mayor outside her residence, at city events, and other public appearances.

The existence of the list came to light through a public records request made by Wu's political adversaries, as reported by the Boston Herald. Critics have expressed concerns that this action represents an attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate those who disagree with the mayor's policies, particularly those who have participated in protests outside her home.

Patron defended the administration's move, citing a specific incident at the Dorchester Day Parade where Wu and her family were subjected to prolonged harassment by individuals using megaphones, despite requests from parade organizers to cease their disruptive behavior. He stated that following this event, Boston Police met with city officials to develop a security plan for the upcoming Bunker Hill Day parade, and the then-Captain overseeing Charlestown requested a list of individuals involved in the prior disruptions and harassment. The email containing the list was sent as a follow-up to that meeting.

The Boston Herald highlighted the comparison some critics have drawn between Wu's actions and those of former President Richard Nixon, known for maintaining lists of political rivals.

The email containing the list, sent by Wu’s former Director of Constituent Services Dave Vittorini to Boston Police Capt. Robert Ciccolo, reportedly named several of Wu's most prominent opponents, including Boston City Council at-large candidate Catherine Vitale, anti-vaccine activists who had protested outside Wu’s home, and North End restaurant owners who opposed Wu's policies. The Herald noted that the list did not provide reasons for the inclusion of these individuals, and also listed individuals identified as the "Mendoza Brothers from the North End" and "A woman with the last name of Thuy who was arrested before."

Wu aides Tiffany Chu and Brianna Millor were also copied on the email, which was sent following noisy demonstrations outside the mayor's Roslindale home last year. Subsequently, an ordinance was enacted in Boston restricting protests outside Wu's residence during specific hours. Wu, the first woman and first Asian-American to serve as Boston's mayor, assumed office in November 2021.