Trump to Meet NYC Mayor Mamdani Amid Netanyahu Controversy
The former president and the progressive mayor will convene at Gracie Mansion as the UN General Assembly brings world leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu, to the city.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion on Monday. The meeting occurs as global leaders convene in Manhattan for the United Nations General Assembly, an event that will also bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the city.
This will be the third known in-person meeting between Trump and Mamdani, but their first at the mayor's official residence. Mamdani's office stated that the discussion would "focus on issues affecting New York City and New Yorkers." The White House confirmed the meeting but provided no further details.
The encounter takes place during a period of heightened security and logistical challenges in New York due to the UN gathering. Trump is also slated to address the General Assembly on Tuesday.
Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration's actions in Gaza. In the past, Mamdani has referred to Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and stated he believed the Israeli prime minister "belongs in The Hague," referencing the International Criminal Court. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 concerning alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu and Israel deny these allegations, and Israel is not a member of the ICC. The United States, also not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, has opposed the court's actions against Israeli officials, with the Trump administration reportedly preparing sanctions against the ICC.
Mamdani had previously vowed during his mayoral campaign that Netanyahu would face arrest if he visited New York City, though he later acknowledged the legal limitations of City Hall.
Despite significant ideological differences, Trump and Mamdani have maintained a surprisingly cordial working relationship. During the 2025 mayoral campaign, Trump had labeled Mamdani a "100% Communist Lunatic," while Mamdani had positioned himself as an opponent of Trump's policies. However, their first meeting after Mamdani's election victory in November was described as cordial, with Trump noting a shared desire for the city's success. They met again at the White House in February to discuss issues including housing.