An official chosen for a senior role in the incoming administration of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has stepped down following the resurfacing of antisemitic social media posts she made over a decade ago.
Resignation Over Historic Tweets
Catherine Almonte Da Costa resigned from her appointed position on Thursday, 18 December 2025, Mamdani's office confirmed. Da Costa had been selected earlier in the week to lead the mayor-elect's office of appointments, a role central to talent recruitment.
Her resignation came after the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a prominent Jewish advocacy organisation, shared three of her old tweets from 2011 and 2012. The ADL stated the posts "echo classic antisemitic tropes and otherwise demean Jewish people."
Deep Regret and Immediate Fallout
In a statement, Da Costa expressed "deep regret" for the historic posts. "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," she said.
Mamdani accepted her resignation, with his spokesperson confirming the decision. "Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted," the mayor-elect stated. The ADL declined to comment following her departure.
Broader Political Context and Scrutiny
The incident places Zohran Mamdani under intensified scrutiny as he prepares to take office next month. Mamdani, who has been heavily critical of Israel, faces ongoing pressure to demonstrate that his opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza is distinct from antisemitism.
Following Mamdani's election victory in November, the ADL launched a new tool specifically designed to track and monitor the policies and personnel hired by his administration. During his campaign, Mamdani drew criticism for refusing to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," though he has since said he discourages its use.
Da Costa had previously worked in the mayor-elect's office over a decade ago and held subsequent roles at a private communications firm and at the auction house Sotheby's.
