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New York Times Defends Use of Leaked Mamdani Admissions Records

The paper’s defense has intensified scrutiny over its use of hacked data from an anonymous far-right source.

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani prepares before the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary Debate at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice on June 12, 2025, in New York City.
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Overview

  • The New York Times last week published leaked details of Zohran Mamdani’s 2009 Columbia University application drawn from hacked admissions records.
  • The source was later identified as eugenicist Jordan Lasker, triggering questions about hidden motives and the paper’s vetting procedures.
  • Critics say publishing personal college records served primarily as a political attack and fell short of newsworthiness standards.
  • Assistant managing editor Patrick Healy issued a detailed defense stating that Columbia admissions data and Mamdani’s own confirmation underpinned the story.
  • Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo have formally requested investigations into Mamdani’s race claim, with probes pending.