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Mayor-elect appointment controversy
One of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s recent appointees, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, resigned after resurfaced social media posts from 2011–2012 that contained antisemitic language were publicized by the Anti-Defamation League and others.
“One of New York Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani’s recent appointees, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, resigned Thursday after old social media posts from 2011–2012 containing antisemitic tropes were publicized by the Anti‑Defamation League. Da Costa, who had been tapped this week to join the incoming administration, issued a statement expressing “deep regret” for the posts, Mamdani’s office said.”
Multiple outlets report Da Costa stepped down one day after being named director of appointments.
She issued apologies saying the posts do not reflect who she is and expressing regret.
Mamdani accepted her resignation as his incoming administration moved to withdraw the appointment.
Reactions to controversial posts
Reporting identifies the Anti-Defamation League as a central actor in bringing the posts to light and demanding answers.
Several outlets quoted the ADL calling the posts indefensible and reported that it publicized or shared the tweets.
Jewish and political leaders reacted, with some praising the resignation and others warning about selective responses depending on the target of the remarks.
Da Costa issued an apology that acknowledged she is the mother of Jewish children and expressed regret.
Mamdani accepted the resignation and described it as the appropriate response to the distraction.
Decade-old tweets cited
Several outlets republished or cited the decade-old tweets or paraphrased them; some included verbatim examples.
“was shown to have tweeted in 2011–2012 comments including “Money hungry Jews smh” and calls to defund the NYPD “piggies.””
Reported examples included phrases such as "Money hungry Jews smh," "money-hungry Jews," "Working alongside these rich Jewish peeps," and the claim that the Far Rockaway train was "the Jew train."
Those concrete examples were used by multiple outlets to illustrate why the posts were widely denounced.
Dispute over appointment knowledge
Coverage differs on whether Mamdani or his team knew about the posts before appointing Da Costa.
Transition sources told NBC New York that Mamdani and his team were unaware of the posts when they appointed her.
Several outlets note the appointment was announced one day and withdrawn the next.
Others, including Moneycontrol and the New York Post, emphasize the ADL's demand for answers about whether the administration knew or condoned the posts.
Coverage of Mamdani controversy
Outlets place the episode in different broader contexts: some treat it as an isolated personnel misstep quickly corrected, while others connect it to larger scrutiny of Mamdani's rhetoric and hiring choices.
“The episode comes amid heightened concern in the city’s Jewish community over Mamdani’s history of anti‑Israel rhetoric, even as he has condemned antisemitism and said he wants the city to be safe for all residents.”
JTA highlights growing concern in the Jewish community about Mamdani's history of anti-Israel rhetoric even as he condemns antisemitism.
Moneycontrol mentions past controversy over Mamdani's response to 'globalize the intifada'.
Several outlets also note Mamdani has announced few hires so far, making each appointment subject to scrutiny.