New York Times Faces Backlash Over Leaked Zohran Mamdani College Application

The New York Times faced intense backlash for publishing a story revealing that New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani identified as both Asian and Black or African American on his 2009 Columbia University application. Mamdani, of Indian descent born in Uganda, explained he marked both due to a lack of an Indian-Ugandan option, aiming to reflect his full background. Critics, including liberal readers and Times journalists, accused the paper of amplifying a minor issue sourced from hacked documents leaked by far-right and eugenicist figures, raising ethical concerns about the newsworthiness and sourcing of the story. The Times defended the report, with executive editor Joe Kahn and assistant managing editor Patrick Healy emphasizing its news value and transparency about the source, despite the controversy. The incident highlights tensions within the Democratic Party and liberal media over identity politics and the representation of Mamdani, a socialist candidate who is seen as threatening by the establishment and billionaire class. The furor also sparked debates about race, identity, and journalistic standards in politically charged coverage.