Full Breakdown
Controversy Erupts Over Mamdani Appointee's Antisemitic Posts
12/22/2025, 9:30:31 PM
Resignation of Catherine Almonte Da Costa
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, recently appointed as the director of appointments for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, resigned on December 18, 2025, following the resurfacing of antisemitic social media posts she made over a decade ago. The posts, which included derogatory remarks about Jewish people, were highlighted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and reported by the Judge Street Journal. Da Costa's comments, dating back to 2011 and 2012, included references to "money hungry Jews" and derogatory remarks about a subway line, which she referred to as "the Jew train."
Background and Context
Da Costa's appointment was part of Mamdani's efforts to build a diverse administration. However, her resignation has raised questions about the vetting process for incoming officials. Mamdani stated that he was unaware of Da Costa's past comments prior to her appointment and emphasized that he would not have hired her had he known about the posts. Following the incident, Mamdani's transition team announced plans to hire an outside legal team to improve the vetting process for future hires.
Official Statements & Responses
In her resignation statement, Da Costa expressed deep remorse for her past statements, stating, "These statements are not indicative of who I am. As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse at the harm these words have caused." Mamdani accepted her resignation, affirming that Da Costa had expressed her regret over her past comments.
The ADL condemned Da Costa's posts, stating they "echo classic antisemitic tropes and otherwise demean Jewish people." They called for immediate explanations from both Da Costa and Mamdani regarding the resurfaced comments.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has intensified scrutiny on Mamdani, particularly regarding his previous criticisms of Israel and his handling of antisemitism. Critics, including Jewish advocacy groups, have raised concerns about Mamdani's commitment to combating antisemitism in New York City. During his campaign, Mamdani faced backlash for not condemning the phrase "globalize the intifada," which many view as inflammatory.
Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, stated, "Glad to see that Catherine Almonte Da Costa has resigned. The views she expressed are unacceptable and intolerable." This resignation comes at a time when Jewish groups are calling for increased security measures in response to rising antisemitism.
What's Next
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, the incident underscores the challenges he faces in addressing concerns about antisemitism and ensuring accountability within his administration. The ADL has announced plans to monitor Mamdani's policies and personnel decisions closely, indicating ongoing scrutiny of his administration's approach to these sensitive issues.
