'Great Potential': Donald Trump Says He Wants Zohran Mamdani to Be a ‘Great Mayor’ for NYC (Video)
President Donald Trump said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has “great potential” and expressed hope that he will become a “great mayor,” as the two held their third in-person meeting Monday at Gracie Mansion despite significant political disagreements.
President Donald Trump said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has “great potential” and expressed hope that he will become a “great mayor,” as the two held their third in-person meeting Monday at Gracie Mansion despite significant political disagreements. Trump and Mamdani discussed housing, immigration enforcement and other issues affecting New York City during the roughly hourlong meeting. Their latest encounter reflected an effort to maintain dialogue despite sharp differences over immigration policy and other matters.
Trump Praises Mamdani During Gracie Mansion Meeting
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said he wanted Mamdani to succeed because that would benefit New York City. “I want him to be a great mayor,” Trump said, adding that Mamdani “certainly got potential” and had “great potential.” White House Launches 24/7 'Trump TV' Streaming Platform Amid Press Credential Legal Battle.
Trump also recalled his previous visits to Gracie Mansion and told Mamdani he hoped he would become one of the city's successful mayors. The comments came despite Trump's earlier criticism of Mamdani during the mayoral campaign and after his election. Their relationship has since included several cordial meetings and continued communication.
Trump, Mamdani Discuss Queens Housing Project
A major topic at Monday's meeting was the proposed redevelopment of Sunnyside Yard in Queens. Mamdani has proposed building a new neighborhood over the rail yard, with plans calling for about 12,000 affordable homes and 30,000 jobs. The project would require significant federal support, including approvals and potentially billions of dollars in federal funding.
Trump said the project would require substantial federal involvement but described Sunnyside as a location that has long attracted attention. The two leaders agreed to continue discussions over the proposal, according to reports from the meeting. ‘Mamdani Can Do a Good Job’: Donald Trump Meets With New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani at White House, Says ‘Helping Him to Make Everybody’s Dream Come True’ (Watch Video).
Trump Praises Zohran Mamdan
JUST IN: President Trump says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has "great potential."
The president told reporters he wants Mamdani to "be a great mayor" for the benefit of New York City.
Trump and Mamdani have clashed on numerous issues, particularly immigration enforcement, but have… pic.twitter.com/38eZh7cVfA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 21, 2026
Immigration Remains Key Area of Disagreement
Despite the cordial tone, Trump and Mamdani continue to differ sharply on immigration enforcement. Mamdani said after the meeting that immigration was among the issues on which the two have “very different approaches” and beliefs. He nevertheless said he would continue speaking with Trump and anyone who could help deliver relief to New Yorkers. New York City has also joined other local governments in challenging a Trump administration immigration rule concerning public benefits, highlighting the continuing policy divide between the city administration and the federal government.
Trump and Mamdani Find Areas for Cooperation
The latest meeting is part of an evolving relationship between Trump and Mamdani, who represent opposing political camps. Their first meeting took place at the White House shortly after Mamdani's election victory. They met again in Washington in February, when Mamdani promoted federal investment in New York housing and presented Trump with a mock newspaper front page focused on building in the city.
Monday's meeting at Gracie Mansion showed that the two continue to communicate even when they disagree on major policy questions. Mamdani has said he is willing to work with the president on issues that could benefit New Yorkers, while continuing to voice opposition to policies he disagrees with. The latest encounter came as Trump was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he was scheduled to address world leaders.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 07:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
