Mayor Zohran Mamdani showed no signs of backing down Tuesday as controversy swirled around one of his most prominent appointments, even as the Trump administration signaled it was watching New York City closely.
According to the New York Post, the issue is Cea Weaver, a longtime housing activist recently installed as executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.
Weaver has come under intense scrutiny after past social media posts resurfaced in which she labeled homeownership “a weapon of white supremacy” and urged followers to “Seize private property.”
Despite the backlash, Mamdani publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Weaver following an unrelated news conference, framing her appointment as a continuation of her prior advocacy work rather than a liability for his administration.
“We made the decision to have Cea Weaver serve as our executive director for the mayor’s office to protect tenants, to build on the work that she has done to protect tenants across the city, and we were already seeing the results of that work,” Mamdani told reporters.
The mayor’s remarks came as criticism escalated beyond City Hall. Conservative voices and property rights advocates blasted Weaver’s rhetoric as extreme, while federal officials suggested the controversy could have broader implications.
Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Department of Justice, said the federal government is prepared to intervene if necessary.
“They should be on notice, they’re on high scrutiny,” Dhillon said of city government.
The comments were widely interpreted as a warning shot from Washington, raising the stakes for Mamdani as he rolls out an aggressive housing agenda centered on tenant protections. Weaver’s office plays a central role in that effort, tasked with advocating for renters and coordinating enforcement against landlords accused of violations.
Critics argue that Weaver’s past statements undermine confidence in her ability to oversee housing policy fairly, particularly in a city where homeownership and private development remain key parts of the housing ecosystem. Supporters counter that her rhetoric reflects frustration with systemic inequities rather than literal policy prescriptions.
Mamdani has so far declined to directly address the specific language used in Weaver’s old posts, instead emphasizing her track record and early accomplishments in office. His decision to stand firmly behind her suggests the administration is prepared to weather the political fallout.
With the Trump administration publicly signaling its interest, the controversy now extends beyond local politics. Whether federal scrutiny materializes into action remains to be seen, but the clash has already sharpened tensions between City Hall and Washington.
For Mamdani, the episode marks an early test of his leadership style — and his willingness to defend ideological allies even as outside pressure mounts.
