Trump and Mamdani’s unlikely rapport endures in New York
Por Rebecca Falconer — Axios
President Trump and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani struck a warm tone Monday during their third in-person meeting and agreed to deepen talks over a major housing project in Queens.
Why it matters: The friendly encounter showed Trump and Mamdani’s unusual personal rapport has endured despite their recent political clashes — and fresh disagreements on display Monday.
Driving the news: During their meeting, Trump and Mamdani agreed to step up talks over the mayor’s plan to build 12,000 affordable homes on a deck over the sprawling Sunnyside Yard in Queens, the two said during a briefing after the talks.
- “They’ve been talking about developing that for 50 years. So maybe they have a shot at doing it,” said Trump, who met with Mamdani ahead of the UN General Assembly.
Zoom in: Their differences were also on display: Mamdani said all members of the press should be allowed White House access, moments before Trump defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
- Mamdani said he discussed his “very strong opinions about how we can keep New Yorkers safe, how we can keep immigrant New Yorkers safe” with Trump during the meeting.
- Still, Trump said he wanted Mamdani “to be a great mayor” and that he “certainly” has “great potential.”
Context: Trump and Mamdani’s first two White House meetings were unexpectedly cordial, and the two have kept in touch by text, Axios has reported.
Zoom out: Their policy differences have persisted, with tensions resurfacing recently over immigration and taxes.
- New York City led a coalition of cities and counties in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s new “public charge” immigration rule.
- Trump has attacked the mayor’s tax on luxury properties owned by nonresidents.
Fonte: Axios
