President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Monday with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion ahead of Trump’s trip to the city for the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, according to reporting adapted from the Associated Press.
Anna Bahr, Mamdani’s communications director, said the two leaders will discuss issues affecting New York City and its residents. The White House confirmed the meeting but did not provide additional details.
A political foil with a cordial history
Mamdani, described in the source report as a democratic socialist, became a frequent target for Republicans after upsetting former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary and later winning the general election in November.
Trump sharply attacked Mamdani during the 2025 campaign, calling him a “100% Communist Lunatic.” Yet the two have also had public moments that appeared more cordial.
After Mamdani’s election, Trump hosted the then-mayor-elect at the White House and said Mamdani would “surprise some conservative people,” according to the report.
A pitch for federal investment
During a February meeting, Mamdani presented Trump with a mock New York Daily News front page reading, “Trump to City: Let’s Build.”
The mock headline referenced the famous 1975 Daily News front page, “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD,” which referred to President Gerald Ford’s pledge to veto financial aid for New York City.
Mamdani’s aides said at the time that the gesture was intended to show Trump the kind of public reaction and support that new federal housing investments could generate in the city.
For now, officials have described Monday’s meeting only in broad terms, leaving the agenda — and any potential policy outcome — unresolved.
