Trump and Mamdani's unlikely rapport endures in New York

Rebecca Falconer

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Trump in a formal room with gold curtains and flags: Mamdani, a younger man in a dark suit and light blue tie speaks gesturing; Trump, seated, in a dark suit and red tie listens. — New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Trump in the Oval Office of the White House last November. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

President Trump and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani struck a warm tone Monday during their third in-person meeting and agreed to deepen talks over a major housing project in Queens.

Why it matters: The friendly encounter showed Trump and Mamdani's unusual personal rapport has endured despite their recent political clashes — and fresh disagreements on display Monday.

Driving the news: During their meeting, Trump and Mamdani agreed to step up talks over the mayor's plan to build 12,000 affordable homes on a deck over the sprawling Sunnyside Yard in Queens, the two said during a briefing after the talks.

"They've been talking about developing that for 50 years. So maybe they have a shot at doing it," said Trump, who met with Mamdani ahead of the UN General Assembly.

Zoom in: Their differences were also on display: Mamdani said all members of the press should be allowed White House access, moments before Trump defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

Mamdani said he discussed his "very strong opinions about how we can keep New Yorkers safe, how we can keep immigrant New Yorkers safe" with Trump during the meeting.
Still, Trump said he wanted Mamdani "to be a great mayor" and that he "certainly" has "great potential."

Context: Trump and Mamdani's first two White House meetings were unexpectedly cordial, and the two have kept in touch by text, Axios has reported.

Zoom out: Their policy differences have persisted, with tensions resurfacing recently over immigration and taxes.

New York City led a coalition of cities and counties in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's new "public charge" immigration rule.
Trump has attacked the mayor's tax on luxury properties owned by nonresidents.

Flashback: Trump's surprising phone pal — Zohran Mamdani

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Trump and Mamdani's unlikely rapport endures in New York

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