Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Mamdani Rejects Kimmel’s Trump Selfie Idea, Citing Housing
Zohran Mamdani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s television show in Brooklyn.
Jimmy Kimmel joked that Mamdani should send Donald Trump a selfie of them together.
Mamdani politely refused and said he loved housing more.
Mamdani and Trump have disagreed and exchanged harsh criticism in the past.
However, they later held several meetings that were described as friendly or productive.
Both men said they care about New York City.
They have discussed making the city more affordable and building more homes.
They also discussed a possible Sunnyside Yards project with thousands of homes and jobs.
Zohran Mamdani declined Jimmy Kimmel’s suggestion that they text Donald Trump a selfie from the studio.
Mamdani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live during Kimmel’s week of shows in Brooklyn.
Kimmel highlighted past conservative predictions that New York would become dangerous after Mamdani’s election.
Mamdani said his relationship with Donald Trump remains focused on shared concerns about New York despite major disagreements.
The two have discussed housing, affordability, jobs, federal approvals and a proposed Sunnyside Yards development involving up to 12,000 homes.
- Who
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, television host Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump.
- What
- Mamdani rejected Kimmel’s idea of texting Trump a selfie and discussed his evolving relationship with the president.
- When
- Mamdani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday; the article also recounts meetings in June, July, September, November, February, April and September 21.
- Where
- The television appearance took place in a Brooklyn studio; the leaders also met at the Oval Office and Gracie Mansion.
- Why
- Mamdani said he and Trump share a love for New York and a concern with making the city more affordable, despite their disagreements.
Mamdani’s supporters and allies
Mamdani’s critics
Predictions about New York
Mamdani’s supporters and allies
Kimmel’s segment portrayed earlier warnings that New York would become lawless or experience soaring crime as having been disproved; the article said murders and shootings reached record lows during Mamdani’s first seven months.
Mamdani’s critics
Conservative commentators cited in the segment had predicted that crime would rise sharply and that New York would become dangerous after Mamdani won.
Relationship with Trump
Mamdani’s supporters and allies
Mamdani described his relationship with Trump as honest, direct and productive, emphasizing their shared love for New York and cooperation on affordability and housing.
Mamdani’s critics
The two leaders have had major disagreements, and Trump previously attacked Mamdani, threatened him with arrest, questioned his citizenship and called him a “JEW HATER.”
- Television appearance
- Mamdani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live during a week of shows from Brooklyn.
- Selfie proposal
- Kimmel suggested that Mamdani text Trump a selfie of the two men from the studio.
- Mamdani’s response
- “Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more.”
- White House meetings
- Mamdani and Trump met in the Oval Office two weeks after the election and again in February.
- Gracie Mansion meeting
- Trump visited Gracie Mansion on September 21 for a joint press conference with Mamdani.
- Sunnyside Yards proposal
- The two discussed talks involving up to 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs.
- Press access
- Mamdani said credentialed outlets, including CNN and Politico reporters barred from White House briefings, were welcome at Gracie Mansion.