Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Trump and Mamdani Highlight Cooperation Amid Dispute Over Press Access
Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani met in New York on September 21, 2026.
They talked about problems facing New Yorkers, including housing, immigration, and public safety.
They especially discussed a plan to build about 12,000 homes over Sunnyside Yard in Queens.
The project could also include parks, schools, and other facilities.
Mamdani sees it as a way to make housing more affordable.
Trump said the project would need federal approvals and probably federal money.
No funding promise or construction date was announced.
The two leaders disagreed about whether certain news organizations should have access to White House grounds.
Mamdani supported access for all media, while Trump said outlets should report fairly.
Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani met at Gracie Mansion on September 21, 2026, during Trump’s New York visit for the UN General Assembly.
The leaders discussed housing, immigration, public safety, and cooperation between city and federal officials.
Their main shared project was a proposed $21 billion development over Queens’ Sunnyside Yard, including about 12,000 homes.
Mamdani said all media outlets would be welcome at New York events, challenging White House restrictions on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.
Trump defended the restrictions, saying news organizations had an obligation to report fairly; the three outlets filed a federal lawsuit seeking restored access.
- Who
- United States President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- What
- They held a public press interaction and private meeting about city-federal cooperation, especially housing and the Sunnyside Yard proposal.
- When
- September 21, 2026, during Trump’s visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.
- Where
- Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, New York City; the proposed development is at Sunnyside Yard in Queens.
- Why
- They said they wanted to discuss issues affecting New Yorkers and explore cooperation on housing, infrastructure, immigration, and public safety.
Mamdani’s position
Trump and White House position
Press access
Mamdani’s position
Mamdani said all members of the press, including outlets that criticize him, should be able to attend and ask questions at New York events.
Trump and White House position
Trump defended restricting access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, saying news organizations had an obligation to report fairly and accusing some outlets of biased or fake news.
Sunnyside Yard’s purpose
Mamdani’s position
Mamdani presented the proposed development mainly as a way to expand affordable housing and make life more affordable in New York City.
Trump and White House position
Trump described it as a major federal-oriented infrastructure project requiring federal approvals and probably federal funding.
- Meeting date
- September 21, 2026
- Meeting location
- Gracie Mansion, Manhattan, New York City
- Main project
- Proposed Sunnyside Yard development
- Estimated project cost
- $21 billion
- Proposed housing
- About 12,000 homes
- Media restrictions
- The White House barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from its grounds
- Project status
- No federal funding commitment or construction timeline was announced
