A photograph captured Zohran Mamdani with a hopeful expression, a moment quickly overshadowed by a brewing controversy. Even before officially taking office, his incoming administration faced a significant challenge that threatened to derail its early momentum.
The trouble stemmed from resurfaced online comments made by Catherine Almonte Da Costa, Mamdani’s intended Director of Appointments. These weren’t recent musings, but disturbing statements from over a decade ago that ignited immediate outrage and scrutiny.
The posts, brought to light by the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, contained deeply offensive language. They included accusations of Jewish people being “money-hungry” and a derogatory reference to a train line as “the Jew train,” echoing dangerous and historically harmful tropes.
The ADL didn’t simply highlight the comments; they directly questioned the vetting process of Mamdani’s team. They demanded to know if these statements were previously known and, if so, why they were overlooked. Furthermore, they pressed for a clear policy regarding similar discoveries during future appointments.
Screenshots of Da Costa’s posts circulated rapidly, prompting her to delete her account shortly after they became public. The speed of the deletion only amplified the concerns and fueled speculation about the extent of the problematic content.
The situation escalated into a full-blown crisis within hours. Da Costa preemptively resigned from her position, acknowledging she had become a “distraction” from the incoming administration’s goals.
In a statement, Da Costa offered an apology, expressing deep regret for her past statements. She emphasized that the words did not reflect her current beliefs, and poignantly noted her role as a mother to Jewish children, adding a layer of personal complexity to the situation.
Despite her apology and explanation, the damage was done. The incident served as a stark reminder of the enduring power of past online activity and the critical importance of thorough vetting in public service.
