Trump Returns To One Of His ‘Favorite Places’ On The UES

UPPER EAST SIDE— President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussed a plan for 12,000 homes over a Queens rail yard, federal immigration policy and the City’s affordability crisis during a roughly hourlong meeting Monday at Gracie Mansion.

The visit came as Trump prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly and marked his first visit to Gracie Mansion as president.

Trump, a native New Yorker, has visited the residence during previous mayoral administrations, including for former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s 2003 wedding.

The President had not been scheduled to take questions alongside Mamdani, but he emerged from the mansion with the Mayor and stopped at a lectern on the lawn.

Trump's fascination with the residence became a recurring theme of the news conference, even as reporters questioned him about international conflicts, energy prices, immigration and his administration’s restrictions on White House press access.

“I’ve been at Gracie Mansion, we were discussing, quite a few times over the years, and it sort of feels like a home,” Trump said. “It’s a special place, a very special, a beautiful place when you go inside.”

He then turned to Mamdani.

“Hopefully, you’re going to be a great one,” Trump said.

The news conference put Mamdani alongside Trump as the president defended his decision to restrict access for several news organizations at the White House.

Trump argued the organizations had an obligation to cover his administration fairly.

Mamdani said he had made clear before the event that all members of the press would be permitted on the Gracie Mansion lawn.

When reporters asked whether Mamdani had challenged Trump directly over the restrictions, the Mayor pointed to the access provided at the mansion.

“I will continue to have conversations with the president, and frankly, with anyone who can deliver relief to the people of this city,” Mamdani said.

What Happened With Sunnyside Yard?

Mamdani used the meeting to press for federal involvement in a plan to build a new neighborhood over Sunnyside Yard, a major rail yard in Queens.

The proposal calls for about 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. Building a platform over the rail yard and constructing the neighborhood would require more than $20 billion in federal funding, according to the <ayor’s office.

The two administrations agreed to move discussions about the project to a new level, Mamdani said. Their teams will continue working through the technical and federal approvals required to advance the proposal.

Trump offered no commitment to provide federal money.

“Sunnyside’s a big job,” he said, adding that the project would require federal approvals and “probably some federal money.”

The project dates back decades.

Mamdani first raised it with Trump during a February meeting at the White House, where he presented the president with a mock Daily News front page reading, “TRUMP TO CITY: LET’S BUILD.”

For New Yorkers, the proposal could eventually mean thousands of new homes in Queens, along with a new neighborhood built above existing rail infrastructure.

What Did They Discuss About Haitian New Yorkers?

Mamdani also pressed Trump over the federal government’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.

The program allows eligible people from countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions to remain temporarily in the United States and obtain work authorization.

Mamdani told Trump the policy could affect Haitian New Yorkers who have built their lives and livelihoods in the City.

He said he also raised broader concerns about immigration enforcement and public safety.

“The Mayor feels very strongly about it,” Trump said when asked about the issue. “I feel strongly about a lot of things. I feel strongly about taking care of people, and that’s what we do.”

Trump did not announce any change to the administration’s policy.