President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met privately at Gracie Mansion on Sept. 21, their third face-to-face meeting and their first at the mayor’s official residence.
The meeting came during Trump’s visit to New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. Despite their sharp ideological differences, Trump, a Republican, and Mamdani, a democratic socialist, emerged from the meeting projecting a cordial and pragmatic tone.
Housing focus
Affordable housing was a central focus of the discussion, particularly Mamdani’s proposal to build a deck over Amtrak’s Sunnyside Yard in Queens and develop housing above it.
Mamdani said the proposal could create 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. Trump said the project would require substantial federal approvals and likely federal funding, describing it as a “very federal-oriented job.” The two leaders agreed to establish further discussions between City Hall housing and operations officials and the White House team.
The proposal revives an idea previously advanced during the administration of former Mayor Bill de Blasio. ABC7 reported that the project could require at least $21 billion in federal grants.
Immigration and media
Trump and Mamdani also discussed immigration, although neither side publicly disclosed specific details of that portion of the conversation.
At their joint news conference after the private meeting, the two were asked about restrictions on certain media outlets at the White House. Trump defended the restrictions, saying the press has an obligation to be fair. The exchange underscored the differences between the two leaders even as they emphasized areas for continued cooperation.
Public remarks
Trump said Mamdani has the potential to be a “great mayor” and said he wants what is best for New York City. Mamdani said he would continue to engage with anyone who could help deliver relief to city residents.
The Sept. 21 meeting followed two previous White House meetings between Trump and Mamdani—one in November 2025 and another in February 2026.
