Zohran Mamdani seeks Donald Trump’s support for $21B housing and infrastructure project

Highlights

• Proposal seeks federal backing for 12,000 affordable homes and neighborhood infrastructure
• Funding package would target a major development in New York City, including parks, schools, and health centers
• Both sides agree to continue negotiations in the coming weeks

Surprise White House meeting

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani held an unannounced meeting with President Donald Trump on Thursday, urging the administration to release $21 billion in federal grants to support a large-scale housing initiative.

At the White House, Mamdani presented Trump with a mock newspaper front page carrying the headline “Trump to city: Let’s build,” underscoring his push for federal support.

A large-scale housing proposal

According to a statement from the mayor’s office, the funding would finance construction of 12,000 affordable housing units along with broader infrastructure in a Queens neighborhood. Plans include parks, schools, and health facilities tied to the development.

City officials described the proposal as a rare chance to tackle the housing shortage at a scale not seen in decades, potentially becoming the biggest combined housing and infrastructure investment in the city in more than 50 years.

Cordial tone despite past criticism

Trump, a Republican and longtime New Yorker, has frequently criticized Mamdani in the past. Still, their talks were described as cordial, echoing an earlier meeting between the two in November.

After the discussion, Mamdani said he viewed the conversation as productive and expressed optimism about advancing new housing projects. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on funding details in the weeks ahead.

Following the meeting, Mamdani said Trump agreed to facilitate the release of a Columbia University student who had been detained by federal immigration authorities earlier the same day.

AFP