US President Donald Trump met New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the city’s mayor, on Monday as the two discussed housing, affordability and other issues affecting New Yorkers.
Trump, who was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, arrived at the Upper East Side residence for a private meeting with Mamdani. The meeting marked the third time the two politicians have met and their first meeting at Gracie Mansion.
Housing was a major focus of the discussions, particularly the proposed development of Sunnyside Yard in Queens. Mamdani said the two sides agreed to establish further discussions between City Hall and White House officials on the project.
The proposed development could include up to 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs, according to Mamdani. The project would require federal approvals and funding, while Trump said the location had been discussed for decades.
Mamdani has said the Sunnyside Yard project could create an entirely new neighbourhood in New York, where housing costs remain a major concern. Trump also discussed his previous visits to Gracie Mansion and described the residence as an important representation of New York.
Despite differences over a range of political issues, Trump and Mamdani have maintained contact since Mamdani’s election. Their previous meetings took place at the White House in November 2025 and February 2026.
Following the meeting, both leaders spoke to reporters about their discussions. Mamdani said he was prepared to work with anyone who could help address the cost of living in New York, while Trump said the city would require federal cooperation for major projects such as Sunnyside Yard.
It is important to mention here that, President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani earlier held talks in the White House, expressing their hope for a productive and cordial relationship despite their history of mutual criticism.
During the meeting, the president and Mamdani discussed matters of mutual interest.
After the meeting, a reporter asked Mamdani, “Do you think President Trump is a fascist?”
Before Mamdani could respond, Trump jumped in and said he didn’t mind being called a fascist. He told Mamdani, “You can say fascist. It’s easier to say than to explain, and I don’t have any issue with it.”
