Appointee Resigns Over Past Social Media Posts
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s office announced Thursday that one of his appointees has stepped down following the resurfacing of social media posts made over a decade ago. The posts, which reportedly contained antisemitic tropes, led Catherine Almonte Da Costa to resign from her prospective role in the incoming administration.
Da Costa, who was selected earlier this week to join Mamdani’s team, issued a statement expressing her profound regret for the remarks. These social media entries date back to 2011 and 2012 and were recently brought to light by the Anti-Defamation League.
“These statements are not indicative of who I am,” Da Costa stated. “As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse at the harm these words have caused.”
Da Costa was slated to lead Mamdani’s office of appointments, a position responsible for the crucial task of “talent recruitment strategy.” Her professional history includes time in Mamdani’s office more than ten years ago, as well as more recent experience at a private communications firm and the renowned auction house Sotheby’s, according to the mayor-elect’s office.
Mamdani’s spokesperson confirmed that the mayor-elect has accepted Da Costa’s resignation.
“Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted,” Mamdani said in a brief statement.
The Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Jewish advocacy organization, has declined to comment following Da Costa’s resignation. The organization had previously shared three tweets from Da Costa that it characterized as echoing “classic antisemitic tropes and otherwise demeaning Jewish people.”
Following Mamdani’s election in November, the Anti-Defamation League had announced the development of a new tool designed to “track and monitor policies and personnel” within Mamdani’s administration. This move came as Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Israel.
Mamdani, who is set to assume office next month, has faced significant scrutiny regarding his stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Critics have questioned whether his opposition to these actions constitutes antisemitism. During his campaign, Mamdani drew particular criticism for his initial refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” although he has more recently stated that he discourages its use.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public figures in navigating past statements and their impact on their current roles, especially when those statements touch on sensitive issues like religious and ethnic prejudice. The vetting process for high-level appointments is often rigorous, and the discovery of problematic past remarks can lead to swift consequences, as demonstrated in this case. The mayor-elect’s office will now need to reconsider its strategy for filling the critical role of appointments director, while also continuing to address concerns about Mamdani’s broader approach to issues involving the Jewish community and the state of Israel.
