Antisemitic social media posts by appointee trigger independent review of transition team procedures
High-Profile Stumble Forces Mamdani Team to Strengthen Personnel Oversight
Within 48 hours of appointing Catherine Almonte Da Costa as Director of Appointments, the Mamdani transition team was forced into damage control when past antisemitic social media posts from 2011 and 2012 became public. Da Costa, tasked with overseeing talent recruitment and building the incoming administration’s team, resigned before even beginning her role. The incident exposed significant lapses in background vetting that could have been catastrophic for the mayor-elect given that his own past statements had been weaponized against him during the mayoral campaign. The transition team responded by hiring an independent outside firm to conduct additional vetting of appointees already hired and those still to be selected.
The Da Costa Resignation and Its Context
Catherine Almonte Da Costa made a series of antisemitic posts on social media referring to money hungry Jews, rich Jewish peeps, and calling the Far Rockaway train the Jew train. She was barely 20 years old when making these comments more than a decade ago. Since then, she married a Jewish man and served in the de Blasio administration without incident. She is the mother of two Jewish children. Da Costa expressed profound sadness and remorse in her resignation statement, saying that as the mother of Jewish children, she deeply felt the harm these words caused. Mamdani, at a press conference Friday, said the comments were reprehensible, that Da Costa expressed deep remorse, offered to resign, and that he accepted her resignation.
Mamdani’s Own History With Past Statements
The timing of this incident is particularly sensitive given Mamdani’s own experience during the mayoral race. Before and during the campaign, he apologized for statements he made when he was young, including past tweets criticizing the NYPD. His opponents weaponized these years-old statements against him, making his record of accountability and growth a campaign issue. That experience might explain why his administration moved quickly to accept Da Costa’s resignation rather than defend her. Mamdani stated he would not have appointed her had he known about the posts beforehand.
The Vetting Failure and System Gaps
The fact that Da Costa’s social media history was not uncovered during the initial vetting process raises questions about how thoroughly the transition team conducted background checks. Da Costa had previously served in the de Blasio administration, so presumably some vetting occurred at that time. That the posts did not surface then suggests either they were not visible on her account at the time, or the vetting process was not sufficiently thorough. The Anti-Defamation League, which brought the posts to light, has committed to ongoing scrutiny of the Mamdani administration. ADL Regional Director Scott Richman stated that the organization has clearly noted that ADL will be watching, will do whatever research is necessary, and will shine a bright light on the administration while holding it accountable.
Transition Team Response and Independent Firm Engagement
Transition press secretary Dora Pekec released a statement Friday afternoon stating that the unacceptable oversight in the vetting process does not meet the mayor-elect’s standards for the transition or incoming administration. The statement indicated that swift action has been taken to bring on an independent firm for additional support. Pekec did not name the firm or elaborate on what steps it would take, only stating that it would support the transition’s existing process.
Questions About Current and Future Appointees
The scandal raises legitimate questions about other appointees already made and those yet to come. How thoroughly were they vetted? Are there social media or other public records that should have been reviewed but were not? The Mamdani administration has numerous high-profile positions still to fill, including commissioners of Education, Sanitation, and Transportation. These are major agencies affecting millions of New Yorkers. The independent firm’s engagement suggests that the transition team wants to avoid future embarrassments but does not provide specific details about what improvements have been made.
A Test of Mamdani’s Standards and Accountability Culture
The mayor-elect has emphasized that his administration will operate under a standard of excellence and that setting that standard involves holding yourself accountable when you fall short. The Da Costa appointment and rapid response will be a barometer for how seriously he means this commitment. One incident does not establish a pattern, but it has already created scrutiny. Advocates, civil rights organizations, and community groups will be watching to see how thoroughly the independent vetting firm operates and whether its recommendations are actually implemented. The window for the transition team to demonstrate competence and accountability is closing as January 1 approaches.
