Top Mamdani Appointee Resigns After
Abrupt Exit
A senior appointee in New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s incoming administration
resigned Thursday after old social media posts resurfaced.
The resignation came just days after her appointment, putting the transition team under scrutiny.
Backlash Over Posts
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, chosen as director of appointments,
stepped down after the ADL condemned posts from 2011–2012 referencing “money hungry Jews,”
“rich Jewish peeps,” and calling a Far Rockaway train “the Jew train.”
The ADL said the remarks echoed antisemitic tropes and demanded accountability.
Apology and Response
Da Costa deleted her X account and apologized,
saying she spoke with Mamdani and that her past comments do not reflect who she is today.
Broader Impact
Mamdani accepted her resignation, calling it a distraction ahead of his swearing-in,
raising concerns about vetting and leadership judgment.
