Trojan Horse diplomacy: Mamdani wins Trump over NYC housing push

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with Donald Trump, pitching a $21 billion federal grants plan to build about 12,000 affordable homes (including a deck over Sunnyside rail yard). He also secured the release of a Columbia University student from federal immigration detention and urged dismissal of cases against four other students. Trump appeared receptive, suggesting a soft-power approach and potential concessions, while critics warn the approach could undermine progressive aims and signal greater leverage for the administration.