22 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : US President Donald Trump praised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after meeting him at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, marking the third face-to-face meeting between the two leaders despite their significant political differences.
Trump told reporters after the meeting that he hoped Mamdani would become a “great” mayor and said the mayor was “off to a start.” The meeting focused on issues including affordable housing, immigration and New York City governance.
Third Meeting Between Trump and Mamdani
The meeting at Gracie Mansion was the third known meeting between Trump and Mamdani.
Their first high-profile meeting took place at the White House in November 2025, following Mamdani’s election as New York mayor. The two met again at the White House in February 2026.
Monday’s meeting was the first of the three to take place at the mayor’s official New York residence.
Trump Takes Warm Tone Towards Mamdani
Trump struck a notably warm tone during the public appearance following their private discussion.
Reflecting on his own history with Gracie Mansion, Trump recalled visiting the residence during previous administrations and said he hoped Mamdani would be a successful mayor.
The president’s comments came despite his earlier criticism of Mamdani and their substantial disagreements on several policy issues.
Affordable Housing at Centre of Talks
One of the main issues discussed was affordable housing, particularly the proposed redevelopment of Sunnyside Yard in Queens.
Mamdani said the project could involve around 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. The proposal would require significant federal involvement, including approvals and potentially billions of dollars in federal support.
Trump acknowledged that the project would need federal approvals and potentially federal funding, while saying he was familiar with the Sunnyside Yard area.
Sunnyside Yard Proposal
The Sunnyside Yard project involves developing an approximately 180-acre rail yard in Queens and creating a new neighbourhood with thousands of housing units.
Mamdani has previously promoted the project as part of his broader effort to address New York City’s housing costs.
Following the latest meeting, Mamdani said City Hall and White House officials would establish a new level of discussions on the housing proposal.
Immigration Also Discussed
Immigration was another subject raised during the meeting.
Mamdani said he expressed his concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.
He said he had made clear that Haitian New Yorkers are an important part of the city’s population and economy.
Political Differences Remain
Despite the cordial public appearance, Mamdani acknowledged that he and Trump continue to disagree on a range of issues.
Mamdani has maintained positions that differ sharply from the Trump administration on immigration, federal policy and other national issues.
After the meeting, however, the mayor said he would continue speaking with Trump and with others who could help deliver benefits for New Yorkers.
Meeting Comes During UN General Assembly Week
Trump’s visit to Gracie Mansion came as New York hosted the United Nations General Assembly, bringing heads of government and senior officials from around the world to the city.
Trump’s schedule included meetings with foreign leaders and a speech at the UN, while Mamdani was also holding meetings with international leaders during the high-profile week.
Trump and Mamdani Discuss Press Access
The two leaders were also questioned about Trump’s decision to restrict access to several news organisations at the White House.
Mamdani said he had told Trump that all members of the press would be welcome at their joint appearance. Trump defended the administration’s approach, saying he believed news organisations had an obligation to be fair.
A Shift in Public Relationship
The meeting illustrates a change in the public relationship between Trump and Mamdani.
Although the two have sharply different political positions, their recent meetings have been described by both sides as opportunities to discuss areas where cooperation may be possible.
Housing is one area where their administrations are now exploring potential cooperation, particularly because major New York development projects can require federal approvals and funding.
Mamdani Says Dialogue Will Continue
Following the meeting, Mamdani said he intended to maintain communication with Trump despite their disagreements.
The mayor’s approach has focused on engaging with federal officials on issues affecting New Yorkers, while continuing to express his differences with the administration on policies he opposes.
The two leaders are therefore maintaining dialogue while retaining distinct positions on major political questions.