An unexpected romance: President Trump's surprising compliment to Zohran Mamdani

US President Donald Trump visited New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, the first presidential visit to the mayor's residence since 1981. The two, who previously called each other "fascist" and "communist," discussed a $21 billion infrastructure project and the status of Haitian immigrants. The meeting reflects a pragmatic rapprochement amid Mamdani's moderation of his anti-Israel positions.

US President Donald Trump made a rare visit to the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. This is the first presidential visit to the mayor's residence since Ronald Reagan's visit to Ed Koch in 1981. The meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half, was held alongside the annual UN General Assembly. The two, who previously hurled harsh epithets at each other like "fascist" and "communist," presented a warm and surprising front at a joint press conference. At the center of the discussions was Mamdani's request for $21 billion in federal aid for the "Sunnyside Yard" project in Queens, which includes building a new neighborhood with 12,000 apartments and 30,000 jobs. Alongside this, the issue of immigration arose: Mamdani clarified to the president that granting legal status to about 350,000 Haitian immigrants is critical to the city's economy. The rapprochement between the two is notable against the backdrop of a moderation in Mamdani's rhetoric towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani, who was elected partly on a promise to arrest Netanyahu, admitted he lacks the authority to do so and distanced himself from calls for protest. Cooperation is vital for Mamdani to channel billions to the city, and for Trump it is an opportunity to demonstrate influence in New York.