Trump meets Mamdani in New York: What was discussed behind closed doors?

New York: US President Donald Trump met New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion on Monday to discuss housing, affordability and a possible housing project in Queens, highlighting continued dialogue between the two despite major political differences.

Trump began his New York visit for the United Nations General Assembly with an approximately hour-long meeting with Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence in Manhattan.

The two later appeared together before reporters and said their discussions focused on a possible housing project in Queens and measures to make New York more affordable for working-class residents.

The meeting comes despite significant political differences between the Republican president and the Democratic socialist mayor.

An increasingly cordial working relationship

Trump and Mamdani have met at least twice previously and have maintained communication despite their contrasting political positions.

Their first meeting took place in the Oval Office following Mamdani's election victory last year. The discussion was described as cordial and focused on issues affecting New York.

Mamdani also travelled to Washington in February, where he presented Trump with a mock New York Daily News front page reading, "Trump to City: Let's Build", while seeking federal support for new housing investments.

Trump recalls earlier Gracie Mansion visits

During Monday's appearance, Trump reflected on his previous visits to Gracie Mansion, including his attendance at former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's wedding in 2003 and a book party for former Democratic US Representative Charles Rangel in 2007.

Speaking about Mamdani's tenure, Trump said, "Hopefully you're going to be a great one," before adding that he was "off to a start".

Trump also described the visit as a kind of "old home week" while noting that he was in New York for meetings with foreign leaders.

Media access becomes another point of difference

The appearance also highlighted disagreements between the two.

Mamdani was asked about Trump's restrictions on certain news organisations at the White House. He said those networks, along with other media outlets, should be present at the Gracie Mansion event.

Trump defended the restrictions, arguing that some outlets' coverage was biased and saying that news organisations had an obligation to be fair.

Mamdani says talks will continue

After Trump left, Mamdani returned to the lawn and said he would continue speaking with the president despite their disagreements.

Mamdani said he would have conversations with Trump, as well as "anyone who can deliver relief to the people of this city".

The meeting therefore centred on a practical area of common interest — housing and affordability — while both men continued to acknowledge their broader political differences.

The meeting is significant because housing affordability is a major issue for New York City, while the federal government can play a role in financing and supporting large-scale housing initiatives. The discussion over a possible Queens project indicates an effort to pursue areas of cooperation even when the president and mayor disagree on wider political and policy issues.

The encounter also comes during the UN General Assembly period, when New York is hosting international leaders and Trump is in the city for diplomatic engagements.

(With AFP inputs)