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Mamdani Appointee Quits Over Antisemitic Posts as Transition Hires Outside Vetting Firm

The transition brought in an independent vetting firm after the ADL flagged decade‑old posts, highlighting mounting scrutiny of staffing before the Jan. 1 inauguration.

Overview

  • Catherine Almonte Da Costa resigned roughly a day after being named director of appointments for Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani.
  • Archived posts from 2011–2012 included phrases such as “money hungry Jews,” “Jew train,” and comments about “rich Jewish peeps,” with additional anti‑police rhetoric reported.
  • Mamdani called the comments reprehensible, said he would not have hired her had he known, and accepted her voluntary resignation.
  • The transition retained an unnamed independent firm to bolster vetting, with officials indicating reviews will prioritize top roles and may include already hired staff.
  • The ADL publicized the posts and said it will closely monitor the new administration’s vetting; Da Costa apologized, said the posts do not reflect her current views, and her account was taken offline.