New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed his working relationship and occasional text message exchanges with US President Donald Trump during a broadcast of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Brooklyn on September 28, 2026. The appearance followed a rare visit by Trump to Gracie Mansion the prior week, marking the first time a sitting president had visited the official mayoral residence in 44 years.
During the late-night program, host Jimmy Kimmel questioned the Democratic Socialist mayor about his unexpected rapport with the Republican president. Kimmel opened the segment by introducing Mamdani with a highlight reel of conservative commentators making dire predictions about citywide decline prior to the mayoral election. He then transitioned into a lighthearted discussion about governance and federal relations.
Texting Style and Rejecting the Kimmel Selfie
Kimmel touched upon reports that the mayor and the president communicate via text message. Mamdani confirmed that the two are in touch “from time to time,” focusing their conversations on municipal matters rather than political differences.
When Kimmel asked if Trump responds quickly and whether his messages mirror his frequently capitalized social media posts, Mamdani described the president’s texting style as “pretty standard.” Seizing the moment, Kimmel joked that Mamdani had broken through with the commander-in-chief and suggested they send Trump a live selfie of the two of them from the studio set.
Mamdani politely declined the proposal, delivering a line that immediately drew applause from the Brooklyn audience: “Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more.”
Focusing on Housing and Sunnyside Yard
Mamdani explained that despite their frequent policy disagreements, he and Trump share a mutual affection for New York City. Since their initial meeting in November, the mayor has consistently directed their dialogues toward improving conditions for local residents.
Central to these discussions is the proposed redevelopment of Sunnyside Yard in Queens. The initiative aims to generate up to 12,000 new homes and 30,000 jobs. This massive undertaking requires federal backing and legislative cooperation, and Mamdani noted that his communications with the White House are anchored in securing these vital deliverables for the city.
Additionally, Mamdani has advocated for vulnerable populations during his federal talks. This includes defending Haitian New Yorkers facing the termination of their Protected Status and emphasizing the need for stability among the city’s diverse communities.
Evolution of an Unlikely Political Alliance
The cordial nature of Mamdani and Trump’s current relationship represents a dramatic shift from the contentious rhetoric exchanged prior to and immediately following the mayoral election. Past tensions included sharp public criticisms, campaign-trail attacks, and social media disputes.
However, subsequent face-to-face engagements have established a direct working dialogue. These meetings include an Oval Office summit in November, a follow-up discussion in February featuring a mock newspaper headline gift, and Trump’s September 21 visit to Gracie Mansion.
Mamdani’s late-night appearance underscored the pragmatic approach his administration has taken toward federal cooperation. He continues to prioritize tangible urban infrastructure and housing gains over partisan posturing.
