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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described his latest White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as “productive,” highlighting discussions on affordable housing and recent student detentions by federal immigration authorities. The meeting, held Thursday, marked their second in-person discussion since Mamdani’s mayoral election victory late last year.
Despite sharp political differences—Mamdani is a Democrat and Trump a Republican—the two leaders focused on shared concerns, particularly New York City’s housing affordability crisis. Mamdani later shared a photo with Trump on social media, emphasizing their commitment to expanding housing development across NYC. Increasing housing supply and lowering costs remain central priorities for both leaders, especially as U.S. mortgage rates stay elevated and housing inventory remains limited nationwide.
Housing affordability has become a major political issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump recently reiterated his pledge to reduce housing costs during his State of the Union address, though economists argue that high mortgage rates, labor shortages, and rising construction material prices continue to hinder large-scale development. Trade groups have also pointed to the impact of strict immigration policies and aggressive trade measures on labor supply and building costs.
In addition to housing, Mamdani raised concerns about the detention of Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Mamdani, Trump later informed him that Aghayeva would be released, a move confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security, which also announced removal proceedings.
Mamdani also presented a list of four pro-Palestinian students facing deportation—Mahmoud Khalil, Yunseo Chung, Mohsen Mahdawi, and Leqaa Kordia—requesting federal intervention. While three have been released, Kordia remains detained.
Though they continue to clash over immigration policy and the Israel-Gaza conflict, the meeting signals an effort to collaborate on key issues affecting New York City residents, particularly housing affordability and immigration enforcement policies.
