Zohran Mamdani faces backlash as old Columbus tweet goes viral again

Zohran Mamdani, 34, has been elected as New York City’s next mayor, marking a historic milestone. While many celebrate his victory, others express concern, labeling him a communist. At the same time, an old tweet of his has resurfaced, reigniting controversy and public debate.

The tweet in question dates back to June 2020, when Mamdani, then a state assembly candidate, posted a photo flipping the middle finger at a Christopher Columbus statue in Astoria with the caption, “Take it down.” The image, now circulating again, has angered Italian American groups who view Columbus as a cultural hero.

Angelo Vivolo, president of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, condemned Mamdani’s actions, calling them disrespectful to Italian Americans. “If you offend one community, you offend all communities,” he said, adding that Mamdani could not represent all New Yorkers.

Conservative figures also reacted sharply online. Actor Joe Piscopo, YouTuber Joey Salads, and journalist Megan Basham criticized the post, while former Trump official Ezra Cohen called it “shameful.” Italian American Museum founder Joseph Scelsa argued that removing Columbus symbols would erase part of the city’s heritage.

Just before early voting, Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s opponent, accused him of “playing the victim” while offending multiple communities. Cuomo defended Italian Americans’ reverence for Columbus and rejected Mamdani’s claims of facing Islamophobia in New York.

The debate over Columbus statues has long divided Americans—critics cite his brutality toward Native peoples, while supporters stress his role in Italian American identity.

Following Mamdani’s election, the tweet has resurfaced again online, drawing renewed reactions and ensuring that the Columbus controversy will remain part of New York’s political conversation.