A new controversy surrounds Zohran Mamdani’s transition team as allegations emerge that they deliberately misspelled the names of controversial appointees to thwart public scrutiny.
Story Snapshot
- Several names on Mamdani’s transition team list were misspelled, including high-profile controversial figures.
- Critics allege these misspellings were intentional to hinder searchability of appointees.
- The misspellings were quickly corrected after media attention.
- No evidence has surfaced proving the misspellings were deliberate.
Misspellings Under Scrutiny
On November 24, 2025, Zohran Mamdani’s transition team issued a press release listing over 400 committee members. Among them, the names of Mysonne Linen and Lumumba Bandele were misspelled. Mysonne, an ex-con rapper, was listed as “Mysoone,” and Lumumba, a Black nationalist activist, appeared as “Lumuumba.” Critics, including NYC Council Member Vickie Paladino, accused the team of deliberately making these errors to obscure the appointees from public searches.
The misspellings were highlighted by conservative media, sparking a debate over whether this was an attempt to avoid scrutiny of controversial figures within Mamdani’s team. The errors were promptly corrected on the transition team’s website following media reports. Despite the corrections, the controversy remains a talking point among critics who claim these were not mere clerical errors.
Critics and Supporters Weigh In
Vickie Paladino, a vocal critic of progressive reforms, asserted that the misspellings were an “old trick” to thwart Google searches. This claim has fueled conservative media narratives suggesting Mamdani’s team is deceptive. However, no substantial evidence has emerged to confirm deliberate obfuscation. Meanwhile, Mamdani has defended appointees like Linen, emphasizing their potential to contribute positively to the city’s future.
Supporters of Mamdani argue that the focus on these misspellings detracts from more pressing issues, such as public safety and social justice reforms. They see the controversy as a minor clerical issue overshadowed by broader policy initiatives.
Implications and Current Status
Despite the controversy, the transition committees continue their work without any appointees being removed due to the spelling errors. The incident has reinforced existing critiques of Mamdani’s administration as ideologically extreme and administratively disorganized. Nevertheless, for supporters, this remains a minor issue compared to the more significant policy challenges facing the new administration.
Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral transition team misspelled names of two controversial picks — including ex-con rapper tapped as criminal justice adviser https://t.co/sBr82dsP4f pic.twitter.com/3gACLLIfX4
— New York Post (@nypost) December 8, 2025
The debate over the misspellings is indicative of the heightened scrutiny on Mamdani’s administration, reflecting broader tensions in New York City’s political landscape. As the transition continues, both supporters and critics remain engaged, highlighting the ongoing divide over the city’s direction under Mamdani’s leadership.
Sources:
Mamdani Transition Team Appointees Draw Scrutiny from Jewish Community Leaders
Did Mamdani’s Team Deliberately Misspell the Names of Controversial Staffer Names?
Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Transition Team Misspelled Names of Two Controversial Picks
Mamdani’s Outside-the-Box Allies
