Mamdani credits shared love of NYC and housing projects for cordial ties with Trump

Key points

• Mamdani appeared on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' during its eighth-annual weeklong broadcast at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
• The mayor stated that his relationship with Trump is based on shared priorities for New York City rather than personal affinity.
• Mamdani confirmed he texts the president 'from time to time' regarding the Sunnyside Yards redevelopment and other city issues.
• He noted that Trump's text messages use standard punctuation and capitalization, unlike his social media posts.
• Mamdani declined Kimmel's request to send a selfie of the two of them, citing a priority for housing over celebrity photos.

Background

This appearance follows a period of heightened media attention regarding the show's return to air after a brief suspension and previous rumors about its cancellation. The show recently resumed its schedule after a hiatus, with Kimmel addressing controversies surrounding his past remarks. This segment highlights the ongoing dynamic between the NYC mayor and the president, which has been a focal point of political discourse since their initial meeting in November 2025.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post emphasizes the 'chummy' nature of the relationship and Mamdani's explanation that their bond is rooted in civic duty. Rolling Stone highlights the humorous dynamic, noting Kimmel's skepticism and Mamdani's refusal to send a selfie, framing it as a moment of political pragmatism over celebrity camaraderie. LateNighter focuses on the specific details of their communication, noting that Mamdani described Trump's texting style as 'pretty standard,' contrasting it with the president's typical all-caps social media presence. All sources agree that the Sunnyside Yards project is a key topic of their correspondence.

Why it matters

The relationship between the NYC mayor and the President of the United States has significant implications for federal funding and approvals for major local infrastructure projects, such as the Sunnyside Yards development. A cordial relationship may facilitate smoother negotiations for federal support, potentially impacting housing availability and job creation in New York City. Additionally, the public display of this rapport challenges traditional partisan narratives, suggesting that pragmatic cooperation on local issues can transcend ideological divides.

What to watch

The 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' broadcast will continue for the week at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, with other guests including Paul McCartney, Billy Crystal, and Mahershala Ali. The outcome of the Sunnyside Yards proposal will likely be a key indicator of the effectiveness of the Mamdani-Trump relationship in the coming months. Further public interactions between the two may provide additional insights into the nature of their political cooperation.