Hold onto your hats, folks -- another political appointee has crashed and burned before even starting the job, as Catherine Almonte Da Costa, tapped to be director of appointments for New York City’s incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has stepped down amid a firestorm over old social media posts, as Fox News reports.

In a nutshell, Da Costa resigned Thursday after resurfaced antisemitic remarks from over a decade ago sparked outrage, just days before Mamdani’s swearing-in as mayor.

Let’s rewind to the beginning: Da Costa, a former staffer under ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio’s census team, was recently named to a key role in Mamdani’s administration, tasked with recruiting top talent.

Old Posts Spark Modern Outrage

Then, the digital ghosts of 2011 and 2012 came haunting, as posts from a now-deleted X account attributed to Da Costa surfaced, dripping with offensive language about Jewish people.

These weren’t just offhand comments -- they included jabs like “money hungry Jews” and “rich Jewish peeps,” even dubbing a Far Rockaway train the “Jew train.” Talk about a tone-deaf throwback that’s hard to defend in any era.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of New York/New Jersey didn’t mince words, quickly calling out the posts for echoing tired, harmful stereotypes about Jewish communities.

ADL Demands Answers, Action

The ADL took to X, declaring, “Her social media footprint includes posts from more than a decade ago that echo classic antisemitic tropes and otherwise demean Jewish people."

They didn’t stop there, insisting, “Tweeting about ‘money hungry Jews’ is indefensible,” and pressing for explanations not just from Da Costa but from Mamdani himself.

Let’s be real -- while personal growth is possible, such language demands accountability, especially for someone slated to hold a public trust position. The ADL’s push for clarity isn’t overreach; it’s a reminder that words have weight, even old ones.

Da Costa’s Apology and Exit

Facing the backlash, Da Costa didn’t just delete her account—she issued a public apology, expressing regret for the pain her past words caused.

She told the Judge Street Journal, “I spoke with the mayor-elect this afternoon, apologized and expressed my deep regret for my past statements. These statements are not indicative of who I am."

In a separate statement, she added, “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." While her remorse seems genuine, one wonders if this could have been addressed before the public uproar.

Mamdani Accepts Resignation

Mamdani, for his part, didn’t drag his feet, accepting Da Costa’s resignation after she conveyed her contrition. He told the Judge Street Journal, “Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted." It’s a pragmatic move, though it raises questions about vetting processes for such high-profile roles.

Adding fuel to the fire, other old posts resurfaced showing Da Costa taking shots at the NYPD, referring to officers as “NYPD piggies,” as reported by the New York Post. While not the main issue, it paints a broader picture of careless online rhetoric that doesn’t scream “ready for public office.”

Ultimately, this saga, unfolding less than two weeks before Mamdani’s inauguration, is a cautionary tale about the long shadow of digital footprints. In an age where progressive agendas often demand ideological purity, it’s ironic that past insensitivities can derail even the most well-intentioned careers. Still, accountability matters, and Da Costa’s exit, while unfortunate, seems a necessary step to refocus on governing a city as complex as New York.