NYC Mamdani Appointee Resigns After Antisemitic Posts From 2011 Resurface
New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s newly named director of appointments abruptly resigned Thursday after antisemitic social media posts she made more than a decade ago resurfaced and drew public backlash. The move comes less than two weeks before Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in, adding pressure on his transition team over vetting and personnel decisions.
The controversy began when the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey highlighted posts from 2011–2012 by Catherine Almonte Da Costa that included references to “money hungry Jews” and other stereotyped language targeting Jewish people. These comments were shared publicly and quickly drew criticism from community groups and political observers.
Da Costa, who had been tapped to lead talent recruitment and staffing for the incoming administration, deleted her X account and issued a statement expressing deep regret. She said the posts “are not indicative of who I am,” emphasized her personal ties as a parent of Jewish children, and acknowledged the harm caused by her earlier remarks.
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“Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted,” Mamdani said in a statement confirming the resignation.
The resignations underscore ongoing scrutiny of Mamdani’s administration, which has faced criticism from Jewish organizations over perceived insensitivities and rhetoric around Israel and antisemitism. Mamdani has sought to distinguish his political critiques from hate speech as he prepares to take office.
As the transition continues, Mamdani’s team says it will strengthen vetting processes and bring in outside support to review future hires. The administration still has key leadership roles to fill ahead of the January 1 inauguration.
Da Costa’s resignation is the latest personnel shift as the mayor-elect aims to stabilize his incoming government and manage community concerns.
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