Zohran Mamdani faces backlash as old Columbus tweet goes viral again

Zohran Mamdani Faces Renewed Backlash After 2020 Columbus Tweet Goes Viral Again
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Date: January 2026

In the midst of an increasingly contentious New York City mayoral race, formerly dormant political controversies are resurfacing — none more forcefully than a now‑viral social media post by Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani involving a statue of Christopher Columbus. Originally posted in June 2020, the image and accompanying message have sparked fresh debate, mobilized activists, and reignited criticism from both cultural groups and political opponents who argue that it signifies disrespect toward a historically significant figure for many Italian Americans.

This renewed backlash comes at a moment when Mamdani, a progressive and Democratic socialist rising figure, is already navigating deep divisions within New York’s multi‑ethnic electorate. Supporters view the critique as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated attacks, while detractors argue it underscores fundamental disagreements over cultural heritage, public memory, and identity politics in America.

The Viral Post: What It Showed and Why It Matters

The photograph at the center of the controversy shows Mamdani’s gloved hand giving the middle finger to the towering statue of Christopher Columbus in Astoria, Queens, alongside the message, “Take it down.” It appeared on the candidate’s verified social media account back in June 2020, at the height of debates over monuments and policing in the U.S.

The post urged the removal of the Columbus statue — an act that many civic activists had championed as part of reevaluating public symbols associated with colonialism and oppression. However, for many in the Italian American community, Christopher Columbus represents an emblem of cultural heritage and achievement, especially amid broader battles for recognition and respect for their contributions to American society.

That split in perspective is what makes the resurfacing of the post so politically potent: critics argue that it disrespects a major ethnic group within New York City, while supporters frame it as part of a legitimate debate about which historical figures deserve prominence in public spaces.

Outrage From Italian American Groups

The Columbus Heritage Coalition, a prominent Italian American advocacy organization, was among the first to publicly condemn the resurfaced image. Its president, Angelo Vivolo, criticized Mamdani for what he described as a “disrespectful” stance toward the Italian American community — one that he said failed to appreciate Columbus Day and related cultural traditions.

“We will defend Columbus Day and Columbus statues,” Vivolo told media outlets. “If you offend one community, you offend all communities.”

The backlash extended beyond this group, with other Italian American voices — including leaders of cultural institutions — calling Mamdani’s actions exclusionary and a misstep politically. Observers pointed out that Italians make up a significant portion of New York City’s population — roughly an estimated 8%, according to demographic analyses — and overlooking their sentiments could have consequences going into a competitive general election.

Critics emphasize that Columbus, despite controversies around his legacy, remains a symbolic figure celebrated by countless Americans of Italian descent. They contend that advocating for the removal or denigration of his statues is not merely a matter of historical critique, but an affront to a distinct community identity forged over generations in the United States.

Political Ramifications for Mamdani’s Campaign

The image’s reemergence has put added pressure on Mamdani’s mayoral campaign — already operating in a dynamic political landscape with multiple challengers and fractured voter blocs.

Some political analysts suggest that the backlash signals a broader cultural backlash against progressive candidates whose platforms challenge longstanding national myths and symbols. For Mamdani, a candidate known for pushing bold ideas about public safety reform, housing, and economic policy, this controversy threatens to overshadow substantive policy debates.

Opponents, including high‑profile figures associated with rival campaigns, have seized on the issue. Some portray Mamdani as out of touch with New York’s working‑class traditions and values, arguing that his willingness to publicly disparage a figure like Columbus reflects a disregard for communities that hold him in esteem.

Moreover, the controversy has fueled social media debate and partisan commentary, with critics using the image to reinforce narratives about Mamdani’s ideological leanings and cultural priorities.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the photo has been widely shared and meme‑ified by users on both sides of the political divide — either to condemn the candidate or to highlight what some progressives see as justified criticism of problematic historical figures.

Supporters Push Back Against Critics

Mamdani’s supporters have responded to the renewed attention by reframing the Columbus post as part of a larger conversation about historical reckoning — one that transcends individual personalities and taps into national debates about race, representation, and public spaces.

For many on the left, the resurgence of the post is indicative of how political opponents often try to weaponize isolated moments from a candidate’s past to distract from contemporary issues. They argue that engaging in constructive dialogue about history — including the impact of colonialism and Indigenous experiences — is not inherently disrespectful, but essential to a more inclusive public discourse.

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