New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has spoken candidly about his unexpected relationship with President Donald Trump, saying that despite their significant political differences, their conversations have largely focused on issues affecting New Yorkers.
Appearing on the popular late-night program Jimmy Kimmel Live! during the show’s special New York City broadcasts, Mamdani discussed his relationship with Trump and the informal communications between them.
The comments came days after Trump visited Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City mayors. During their September 21 meeting, the two discussed housing, the cost of living and other issues affecting the city, including the proposed redevelopment of Sunnyside Yard in Queens.
The meeting attracted considerable attention because Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, and Trump have sharply different political positions on a number of issues. Nevertheless, Trump has recently spoken positively about Mamdani, while the mayor has emphasized his willingness to work with anyone who can deliver results for New Yorkers.
During the Jimmy Kimmel Live! interview, host Jimmy Kimmel jokingly asked whether Mamdani and Trump had immediately “hit it off” or whether the mayor had deliberately tried to charm the president.
Mamdani responded that he and Trump have “many disagreements,” but said they share a strong attachment to New York City.
“The president and I have many disagreements. One thing we do agree on is the city, how much we love the city,” Mamdani said. He added that from their first meeting, his focus had been on ensuring that discussions with the president were about issues that could improve life for New Yorkers rather than about the two politicians themselves.
Kimmel then asked whether Mamdani and Trump exchange text messages.
Mamdani confirmed that they communicate from time to time, saying the messages have primarily concerned the proposed Sunnyside Yard development and other issues affecting New Yorkers.
Sunnyside Yard is a long-discussed proposal to build a platform over an existing rail yard in Queens and develop approximately 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. Mamdani has sought federal support for the project, which would require substantial federal approvals and funding.
Mamdani also said that Trump had raised the situation of Haitian New Yorkers whose protected immigration status had been terminated. According to the mayor, the issue remains part of their ongoing discussions.
Kimmel then jokingly suggested that Mamdani take a selfie and send it to Trump immediately.
Mamdani declined with a joke of his own: “Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more,” referring to the importance he places on the Sunnyside Yard housing project.
The mayor has previously defended his decision to maintain a working relationship with Trump despite their disagreements. After the September 21 meeting at Gracie Mansion, Mamdani said he had committed to meeting and working with anyone who could help deliver tangible benefits for New Yorkers.
He pointed to the Sunnyside Yard discussions and other issues, including the cases of New York City residents detained by immigration authorities, as reasons for maintaining direct communication with the White House. “If a meeting can be the difference between detention and dignity, it’s a meeting worth taking,” Mamdani said at the time.
The relationship remains notable because Mamdani and Trump continue to disagree on issues including immigration policy and other national and local matters. Mamdani has said those disagreements do not prevent him from engaging with the president when he believes the discussions could benefit New York City.
