Thursday, January 8, 2026- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is standing behind his newly appointed executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, despite fierce backlash over years‑old social media posts made by the appointee, tenant activist Cea Weaver.
Weaver’s past comments, which have resurfaced in recent days, included criticisms of private property and descriptions of homeownership as tied to “white supremacy,” prompting condemnation from various officials and commentators. The uproar reflects heightened scrutiny of the mayor’s housing agenda and early personnel decisions.
Weaver, a longtime housing rights advocate who played a key role in tenant protection legislation, has expressed regret for some of the controversial statements, saying they do not reflect her current views.
Mayor Mamdani acknowledged her track record of tenant advocacy and emphasized her focus on ensuring safe, affordable housing for New Yorkers. He has pledged to expand the authority of the tenant protection office to hold negligent landlords accountable and push forward his aggressive housing reform agenda.
Critics from across the political spectrum have seized on Weaver’s past posts as evidence of extreme ideology, with condemnations coming from federal officials and public figures. Some opponents argue her views could undermine property rights and exacerbate tensions around urban development.
Supporters, however, highlight her experience and commitment to tenants’ rights as critical to addressing New York City’s housing challenges. The episode adds pressure on Mamdani as he navigates competing demands around housing policy, property rights, and political accountability.
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