Zohran Mamdani reveals ‘secret' behind his unlikely friendship with Trump

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revealed the secret to his relationship with the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump just days after the Republican president told the 36-year-old Democrat-socialist that he could be a “great” mayor in the metropolitan city’s history.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live aired on Monday, the NYC mayor said despite political differences, his relationship with Trump has been built around one thing they both share: their love for New York City.

“The president and I have many disagreements, but one thing we do agree on is this city and how much we love this city,” Mamdani said when Kimmel asked how the unlikely relationship between the two politicians had developed.

The mayor said that since their first meeting in November last year, he has tried to keep his conversations with Trump focused on New Yorkers instead of their political differences.

One issue that appears to have brought the two closer is Mamdani’s plan to redevelop Sunnyside Yard in Queens, which could see around 12,000 homes built over the rail yard.

Mamdani revealed that he and Trump even text each other “from time to time” about the project and other ways to “deliver for the city.”

When Kimmel asked whether Trump also texts in capital letters, as he often does on social media, Mamdani said his messages are “pretty standard.”

Kimmel then offered to take a selfie with Mamdani and send it to Trump to test their unusual friendship, but the mayor wasn't willing to risk it.

“Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more,” he joked.

Their friendly relationship has surprised many given how sharply Trump attacked Mamdani before his election. But the tone has changed considerably since then.

During his visit to Gracie Mansion last week, Trump praised Mamdani’s start as mayor and said he hoped he would become a “great one.”