Great potential: Trump praises Mamdani as they strike warm tone in New York

US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani struck a notably cordial tone during their third face-to-face meeting on Monday, setting aside some of their political differences to discuss housing, immigration and public safety.

Trump met Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence in Manhattan, after arriving in New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. It was their first meeting in the city after two earlier encounters at the White House.

A key focus of Monday's talks was host Mamdani's proposal to build 12,000 affordable homes over Sunnyside Yard in Queens. Trump said the two sides would step up discussions on the ambitious project, which has been under consideration for decades.

"They've been talking about developing that for 50 years. So maybe they have a shot at doing it," Trump said after the meeting.

Mamdani said the discussions were aimed at finding areas where the city and federal government could work together, including housing and the safety of immigrant New Yorkers.POLITICAL DIFFERENCES REMAIN

Despite the friendly tone, the meeting also highlighted differences between the two leaders.

Mamdani said all members of the press should be allowed access to the White House, shortly before Trump defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

Mamdani said he also discussed his “very strong opinions” with Trump on how to keep New Yorkers safe, including immigrant New Yorkers.

Trump, however, offered public praise for the mayor, saying he wanted Mamdani "to be a great mayor" and that he "certainly" had "great potential."THIRD MEETING SINCE MAMDANI'S ELECTION

Mamdani defended his decision to meet Trump despite criticism directed at Democratic leaders who have engaged with senior members of the Republican administration.

He said his priority was delivering for New Yorkers and that discussions with the federal government were therefore worthwhile.

The meeting also underscored the unusual rapport that has developed between the two politicians despite their sharply contrasting political positions. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, campaigned against Trump, while Trump has repeatedly criticised the mayor and his policies.

Their first face-to-face meeting took place at the Oval Office in November 2025, shortly after Mamdani's election, followed by another meeting at the White House in February.

Monday's meeting was their third in 12 months and the first in New York City. Trump also reminisced about previous visits to Gracie Mansion and left open the possibility of supporting Mamdani's large-scale housing proposal.- EndsPublished By: Nitish SinghPublished On: Sep 22, 2026 04:49 IST