US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a closely watched meeting at Gracie Mansion on Monday, putting their sharp political differences aside to discuss issues affecting the city.
The meeting, held during Trump’s visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, was the third time the two politicians have met and their first meeting in New York City. Mamdani hosted Trump at the official mayoral residence in Manhattan.
The conversation focused largely on housing, the cost of living and ways the federal government and New York City can work together. Mamdani said after the meeting that the two sides had agreed to take their discussions to a “new level” and continue working on plans that could address the city’s housing shortage.
One of the key projects discussed was the redevelopment of Sunnyside Yards in Queens. The proposed project could eventually create around 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. Mamdani has been pushing for federal support for the large development, which would transform a major rail yard into a new residential and commercial area.
Trump also spoke positively about the location and the possibility of developing Sunnyside Yards. He noted that the project would require federal approvals and potentially federal funding. Trump, who spent much of his career in New York real estate, said he was familiar with the area and had previously owned a building in Sunnyside.
Housing affordability was another major issue discussed during the meeting. Mamdani has made reducing the cost of living a central part of his administration’s agenda. He has repeatedly argued that many New Yorkers are struggling to afford housing and other basic expenses.
Trump, despite his policy differences with Mamdani, said he understood the importance of housing affordability. He pointed to his own experience in New York real estate and said he had developed low-income and moderate-income housing projects in the past.
The friendly tone of the meeting stood out because Trump and Mamdani have often been on opposite sides of major political debates. Mamdani is a democratic socialist, while Trump is a Republican president who has repeatedly criticised the Democratic Party and left-wing politics.
During Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, Trump strongly attacked him and described his political views in harsh terms. Mamdani, in turn, has been critical of Trump’s policies, particularly his approach to immigration.
Yet the two have maintained a working relationship since Mamdani was elected. They first met at the White House in November 2025 and met again in February. Mamdani has previously said that the two remain in contact through phone calls and text messages.
That relationship has also been used to address issues directly affecting New Yorkers. Earlier this year, Mamdani contacted Trump over the arrest of a Columbia University student by federal immigration authorities. The student was later released, according to reporting on their relationship.
Monday’s meeting also touched on immigration and policing, although housing and affordability dominated the public discussion afterward. Mamdani has criticised the Trump administration’s immigration policies while also arguing that maintaining communication with the White House is important for New York City.
After their private meeting, Trump and Mamdani appeared together before reporters at Gracie Mansion. Trump said he hoped Mamdani would be a successful mayor and spoke warmly about the historic residence.
Trump recalled visiting Gracie Mansion during his years in New York and described it as a special place. He also said he had encouraged Mamdani to live there after becoming mayor. Mamdani eventually moved into the official residence.
The meeting also came against the backdrop of a separate dispute between Trump and several US news organisations. Reporters questioned the President about his decision to restrict access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico at the White House.
Trump defended the restrictions and criticised the outlets. The issue has become part of a wider confrontation between the administration and major US media organisations over press access.
Despite the disagreements, the meeting ended without a public clash between Trump and Mamdani. Instead, both stressed the areas where they could potentially cooperate.
Mamdani said he was prepared to work with anyone who could help New Yorkers, regardless of political differences. His focus was on using government resources to address the city’s high cost of living, expand housing and support economic growth.
The meeting offered an opportunity for Trump to discuss New York issues while he was in the city for the UN General Assembly. For Mamdani, maintaining a direct channel with the White House could be important as the city seeks federal support for major housing and infrastructure projects.
The meeting does not remove the policy disagreements between the two leaders. But their willingness to meet and discuss practical issues shows how local and federal governments can continue working together even when their political positions remain far apart.
