A high-level appointment in New York City’s incoming administration collapsed Thursday after decade-old social media posts resurfaced, exposing antisemitic remarks and triggering immediate fallout just days before the mayor-elect takes office.
Zohran Mamdani’s newly named director of appointments abruptly resigned after online posts from more than a decade ago reignited public outrage and raised serious questions about vetting within the transition team.
Old Posts Trigger Swift Backlash
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, selected for a senior role in the incoming mayoral administration, stepped down after concerns were raised about her past online activity.
The posts, reportedly published between 2011 and 2012 on a now-deleted X account, included references to “money hungry Jews” and “rich Jewish peeps” and described a Far Rockaway train as “the Jew train.”
Once the content resurfaced, it spread rapidly online, drawing widespread condemnation and placing the transition team under immediate scrutiny.
ADL Condemns Antisemitic Remarks
The Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey issued a sharp rebuke after reviewing the resurfaced posts.
“Her social media footprint includes posts from more than a decade ago that echo classic antisemitic tropes and otherwise demean Jewish people,” the organization wrote on X.
The group added, “Tweeting about ‘money hungry Jews’ is indefensible. We appreciate Da Costa has relationships with members of the Jewish community, but her posts require immediate explanation not just from Ms. Da Costa, but also from the mayor-elect,”
Shortly after the statement was published, Da Costa deleted her account and submitted her resignation.
Da Costa Issues Apology And Resigns
In comments provided Thursday, Da Costa acknowledged the posts and expressed regret for her past statements.
“I spoke with the mayor-elect this afternoon, apologized and expressed my deep regret for my past statements,” Da Costa said.
She continued, “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. As this has become a distraction from the work at hand, I have offered my resignation”.
The apology came as pressure mounted on the transition team to address the controversy decisively.
Mamdani Accepts Resignation
Mamdani accepted Da Costa’s resignation shortly after it was offered, signaling an effort to move quickly amid growing criticism.
“Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted.”
Before the controversy erupted, Mamdani had said Da Costa would be responsible for bringing “top talent into this administration,” placing her in a central role within the new mayor’s team.
Da Costa previously worked in former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration, serving on the city’s census team.
Additional Posts Add To Controversy
Beyond the antisemitic remarks, other resurfaced posts reportedly included derogatory comments directed at the NYPD, including references to “NYPD piggies,” according to reports.
The timing has intensified pressure on the mayor-elect, with the resignation coming less than two weeks before Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in as New York City’s next mayor.
The episode underscores how long-forgotten digital footprints can quickly resurface and derail political appointments, particularly during moments of transition and heightened public attention.
