New York Mayor-Elect’s Appointee Resigns Over Past Antisemitic Posts

Catherine Almonte Da Costa, appointed just a day earlier as Director of Appointments in Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's incoming administration, resigned on December 18, 2025, following the resurfacing of antisemitic social media posts from 2011 and 2012. The posts, which included references to "money hungry Jews" and other derogatory remarks echoing classic antisemitic tropes, were highlighted by the Anti-Defamation League's New York/New Jersey chapter, prompting widespread criticism and calls for accountability.

Da Costa, who previously served in former Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration and held positions in private communications and at Sotheby's, issued a statement expressing profound remorse. She described the posts as unrepresentative of her current views, noting her role as the mother of Jewish children and the harm caused by her past words. Acknowledging the situation as a distraction from the transition's priorities, she tendered her resignation after discussing the matter directly with Mamdani.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who won the November 2025 election and is set to become New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, promptly accepted the resignation. In his statement, he confirmed Da Costa's expression of deep regret and emphasized the need to move forward. Sources close to the transition indicated that the posts were not uncovered during the initial vetting process, raising questions about the administration's screening procedures for key hires.

Also Read: NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Releases ‘Know Your Rights’ Video Against ICE Raids

The Anti-Defamation League, which had initiated a monitoring tool for Mamdani's policies and personnel following his election victory, condemned the posts as indefensible prior to the resignation. While the organization declined further comment afterward, Jewish leaders and advocates welcomed the swift action, though some expressed ongoing concerns about the mayor-elect's approach to issues of antisemitism amid his vocal criticism of Israel's policies.

This incident underscores heightened scrutiny on Mamdani's administration as it prepares to take office in January 2026, particularly regarding personnel decisions in a city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel. The resignation highlights the challenges of past online statements resurfacing in public roles, amplifying debates over accountability, redemption, and the boundaries of political discourse in contemporary governance.

Also Read: Zohran Mamdani, Louvre Headline Babbel’s 2025 Mispronounced Words List