New York City’s first lady is facing growing backlash after a series of old social media posts resurfaced, drawing scrutiny over content tied to extremist figures and anti-American rhetoric.
Rama Duwaji, the wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is under fire after posts from her teenage years and early 20s were uncovered.
The content, first reported by the Washington Free Beacon, includes references to individuals linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
One 2017 Tumblr post featured an image of Leila Khaled, a PFLP member known for participating in two plane hijackings.
“If it does good for my cause, I’ll be happy to accept death,” the caption read alongside the image.
Khaled became a symbol for militant groups after threatening to detonate a grenade during one of the hijackings.
Other posts highlighted additional figures connected to the organization.
In a 2015 repost, Duwaji shared a message praising Shadia Abu Ghazaleh, a militant involved in attacks on Israeli targets.
“shadia abu ghazaleh, first palestinian woman to fight in resistance after 1967 occupation,” the post stated.
The posts also included references to the First Intifada, a period of sustained violence from 1987 to 1993.
In one example, Duwaji shared an image of a protester sewing a Palestinian flag, referencing the uprising.
Another post featured a Bangladeshi postage stamp honoring “freedom fighters of Palestine.”
Beyond those references, critics are also pointing to comments directed at the United States.
In a 2015 post, Duwaji wrote: “American soldiers fighting in imperialist wars are not brave nor are they fighting for anyone’s freedom.”
“They are mercilessly slaughtering 3rd world civilians and fighting to maintain American hegemony,” the post continued.
The resurfaced posts are now fueling criticism from opponents, who argue the content reflects deeply troubling views.
Supporters, however, may point out that the posts were made years ago, when Duwaji was younger.
The timeline shows many of the posts date back nearly a decade.
Duwaji was reportedly living in the Middle East at the time, after moving from New Jersey to Dubai during her childhood.
She later attended Virginia Commonwealth University before continuing her studies in the U.S., Trending Politics reported.
The controversy comes as scrutiny intensifies around Mayor Mamdani and his political positions.
While there has been no official response yet from Duwaji or the mayor’s office, the situation is quickly gaining attention.
Critics are likely to continue pressing for clarification, especially given the nature of the figures referenced in the posts.
At the same time, others may frame the issue as an example of past online activity being brought into the spotlight years later.
As the backlash builds, the key question will be whether the controversy fades or develops into a broader political issue.
