US President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
On Monday, they met behind closed doors in Manhattan for about an hour to discuss immigration control and a major housing project involving the construction of 12,000 homes.
Trump praised Mamdani after the meeting.
Before taking office last January, Trump had harshly criticized Mamdani, calling him “my little communist” and “totally crazy.” However, the dynamic between the two leaders shifted after Mamdani won the mayoral election.
Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Trump said, “I hope you will be a great mayor. I can say you are going to be a great mayor. And you have made a good start.”
Trump is currently in his home city of New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session. This marked their third public meeting since Mamdani won the mayoral election last year.
Mamdani also outlined his stance on immigration during the meeting. He stated that he holds “very strong views” on how to keep New Yorkers safe.
The Trump administration is revoking the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of thousands of immigrants as part of a plan for mass deportations. Mamdani mentioned that he discussed this issue with Trump.
A proposal to build 12,000 homes in New York was also discussed. Mamdani noted that he had previously spoken to Trump about this project last February. Implementing the project would require approximately $21 billion in federal funding.
Mamdani indicated that he would continue to engage in dialogue with Trump despite their differences. He acknowledged that they have “many differences of opinion,” but stated that he would speak with anyone who could bring relief to the people of New York.
Mamdani said, “We both spoke about very different approaches and different beliefs.” “I will continue discussions with the President and, frankly, with anyone who can bring relief to the people of the city.”
Meanwhile, major US television networks largely boycotted coverage of Trump’s activities in protest against the White House banning three news outlets during his visit to New York.
The outlets subjected to the ban were CNN, MSNBC, and Politico. Mamdani stated that he had urged Trump to ensure the presence of all journalists at the joint press conference.
Speaking at a press conference held outside the New York mayor’s official residence, Mamdani said, “Whether it involves differing opinions or criticism, everyone should be included.”
Trump also dismissed the suggestion that the ban on the media was intended to divert public attention from criticism regarding the war with Iran. He said, “They said they would boycott me. But they never actually boycott me. So, I wasn’t too worried about it.”
