US President Donald Trump apparently had an unusual offer for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the two emerged from their latest meeting: come to the White House and see how I work.
The 80-year-old Republican president met Democrat-socialist NYC mayor at the Gracie Mansion on Monday for talks that focused on housing, immigration and the cost of living in New York.
But it was their conversation after the meeting that has attracted attention online.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the New York Post that Trump appeared to tell Mamdani he wanted to support him before inviting the mayor to the White House.
“Come with me to the White House — see how I work,” Trump reportedly said.
The exchange has not been independently confirmed and neither Trump nor Mamdani publicly repeated the invitation.
What was clear, however, was the surprisingly warm tone between two politicians who disagree on plenty.
Trump publicly told Mamdani he hoped he would become one of New York’s “great” mayors and said he was off to a good start.
Mamdani, meanwhile, said he was willing to work with anyone who could help make life more affordable for New Yorkers.
One issue where that cooperation could soon be tested is Sunnyside Yards in Queens.
Mamdani wants to build around 12,000 homes over the rail yard, a huge project that would require federal approvals and potentially billions of dollars in federal support.
The two agreed to establish further talks between City Hall and the White House over the proposal.
2026-09-22 22:12:00
