Zohran Mamdani faces backlash as old Columbus tweet goes viral again

Following his historic mayoral victory, Zohran Mamdani faces renewed controversy. An old tweet from 2020 has resurfaced, showing the democratic socialist giving the middle finger to a statue of Christopher Columbus in his district. The caption read, “Take it down.”

This action has drawn significant criticism from Italian American groups. Angelo Vivolo of the Columbus Heritage Coalition called the gesture disrespectful and vowed to oppose Mamdani, stating he does not believe the mayor-elect will represent all New Yorkers.

Conservative voices on social media have also strongly condemned the tweet. Critics, including actor Joe Piscopo and former Trump official Ezra A. Cohen, labeled the act offensive to Italian Americans and Catholics, arguing it shows ingratitude.

During the campaign, rival Andrew Cuomo seized on the tweet. He accused Mamdani of creating tension with various communities and of being an “offender,” not a victim, specifically citing the offense to Italian Americans.

The debate over Columbus is part of a larger cultural conflict. Some left-leaning politicians advocate for removing statues due to the harsh treatment of Native Americans by Columbus’s expeditions.

Conversely, supporters of the statues view Columbus as a crucial historical figure for Italian Americans. They see his voyage as a point of pride and a milestone worth celebrating.

The tweet has sparked a fresh online debate following Mamdani’s win. While some defenders argue disdain for Columbus is historically justified, critics worry about the city’s direction. Mamdani has not commented, but the issue is likely to persist.