US President Donald Trump began his visit to New York on Monday with a meeting with Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, where the two discussed housing and affordability despite their significant political differences.

Trump and Mamdani spent about an hour at the mayor’s official residence before appearing together before reporters. The meeting took place as world leaders arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and ahead of Trump’s scheduled speech at the UN.

Trump And Mamdani Discuss Housing

The two leaders said they discussed a possible housing project in Queens and ways to make New York more affordable for working-class residents.

Trump used the appearance to recall his earlier visits to Gracie Mansion, saying he remembered “great ones and some not so great ones” who had occupied the mayor’s office.

Turning to Mamdani, Trump said, “Hopefully you’re going to be a great one,” before patting him on the back and adding, “And you’re off to a start.”

Trump also described the meeting as a return to familiar territory amid a busy diplomatic schedule.

“I have a lot of meetings right now, very important meetings with heads of different countries, but this is like a little bit of old home week for me,” he said, adding, “We’ve done so many things from the beautiful home or house or building standing right behind me.”

Earlier Meetings Between Trump And Mamdani

Monday’s meeting was at least the third time Trump and Mamdani have met since Mamdani became mayor. Despite their policy differences, the two have maintained a working relationship and have continued discussions on issues affecting New York.

Their first meeting took place in the Oval Office shortly after Mamdani’s election victory last year. The discussion was described as cordial and focused on ways to assist their shared hometown after months of sharp public exchanges.

In February, Mamdani travelled to Washington again and presented Trump with a mock New York Daily News front page carrying the headline, “Trump to City: Let’s Build,” while advocating greater investment in housing in the city.

Media Access Becomes Point Of Difference

The latest joint appearance also highlighted areas where Trump and Mamdani continue to disagree. Mamdani was asked about Trump’s decision to bar certain news organisations from the White House and said it was important for those networks, along with others, to be represented at the Gracie Mansion event.

Trump defended the restrictions, arguing that the organisations’ coverage was biased.

“It’s interesting because they said they were gonna boycott me. But they never boycott me,” Trump said, adding, “I think that these outlets have an obligation to be fair.”

Mamdani Says Talks Will Continue

Trump’s earlier visits to Gracie Mansion included attending former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s wedding in 2003 and a book party for former Democratic US Representative Charles Rangel in 2007.

After Trump departed, Mamdani returned to the lawn and told reporters that the two leaders continued to have significant disagreements but had maintained their conversations.

“I will continue to have conversations with the president, and frankly, anyone who can deliver relief to the people of this city,” Mamdani said.

The meeting added another chapter to the working relationship between the US president and New York mayor, with housing and affordability emerging as areas of cooperation despite their broader political differences.

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