# Trump backs young NYC mayor despite policy rifts

> President Trump visits Gracie Mansion to praise Mayor Zohran Mamdani and discuss federal funding for a major Queens housing project.
- Title: Trump backs young NYC mayor despite policy rifts · Fortune
- Summary: President Trump visits Gracie Mansion to praise Mayor Zohran Mamdani and discuss federal funding for a major Queens housing project. President Trump met…
- Keywords: donald trump, zohran mamdani, new york city, queens, sunnyside yards, federal funding, housing development, Trump, backs, young, NYC, mayor
- Source: Fortune — https://fortune.com/2026/09/21/trump-mamdani-press-conference-new-york-city-sunnyside-queens-housing-federal-funds
- Author: Catherina Gioino
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, zohran mamdani, new york city, queens, sunnyside yards, federal funding, housing development
## Trump visits Gracie Mansion for first time in decades
President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a joint press conference at the mayor's residence on Monday, the first presidential visit there in decades.
## Trump praises Mamdani's potential as mayor
Trump told Mamdani: "You're going to be a great one. You have great potential." The two are both from Queens and share a warm rapport despite policy disagreements.

> You're going to be a great one. You have great potential.
## Sunnyside Yards needs federal partnership
Mamdani and Trump discussed Sunnyside Yards, a proposal to build twelve thousand homes and thirty thousand jobs on a Queens rail yard, requiring over twenty one billion dollars in federal grants.
## Trump watched Sunnyside for thirty five years
Trump said he has monitored the site since the nineteen eighties, when he owned a football team and considered building an arena there called the Trumpdome.
## Trump signals federal support is possible
Trump said Sunnyside will need federal approvals and probably federal money, but called it a great location. He did not commit to sending funds.
## Mamdani seeks relief for the city
After the conference, Mamdani said he and Trump disagree on immigration but will continue conversations with anyone who can deliver relief to New York City.
## Key takeaway

President Trump met Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion and praised his potential as mayor while discussing federal support for a Queens housing development, despite months of public disagreement on policy.