Mamdani Presents Housing Proposal to Trump with Mock Newspaper

Feb 27, 2026, 2:20 AM

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented President Donald Trump with a mock newspaper front page during a visit to the White House on Thursday to discuss significant new housing investments in the city.

This creative approach was designed to appeal to Trump, who is known for his keen awareness of media coverage and avid consumption of local New York City publications. The mock front page featured the headline "Trump to City: Let's Build," referencing a famous 1975 cover that read "Ford to City: Drop Dead," which highlighted then-President Gerald Ford's refusal to provide financial assistance to New York City.

Mamdani's communications director, Anna Bahr, noted that the mayor's team crafted the mock front page to demonstrate the potential public reaction to new federal housing investments. The mayor also shared a photo of their meeting on social media, showcasing the mock newspaper.

While Mamdani's office did not provide specific details about the housing proposal, Bahr mentioned that Trump responded with enthusiasm during their discussion. Their relationship has developed positively since their first meeting last fall, despite Trump previously labeling Mamdani a "communist" during his campaign for New York City mayor.

In addition to housing, Mamdani raised concerns about the detainment of Ellie Aghayeva, a Columbia University student from Azerbaijan, who was arrested earlier that day by federal immigration agents. The agents reportedly accessed a campus residence under the pretense of searching for a "missing person," according to Aghayeva's attorneys and Columbia's president. During the meeting, Mamdani urged Trump to consider releasing her from custody.

Following their discussion, Trump communicated to Mamdani that Aghayeva would indeed be released, showcasing a responsive approach to the mayor's concerns. Furthermore, Mamdani provided White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with a list of four other students also targeted by federal authorities, seeking assistance from the administration on their behalf.

The students identified include Mahmoud Khalil, Yunseo Chung, Mohsen Mahdawi, and Leqaa Kordia, who were all detained for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. Of these, only Kordia remains in custody, while the others are navigating their respective cases through the courts.

The unannounced meeting, which lasted about an hour, underscores the ongoing dialogue between the mayor's office and the Trump administration, particularly around pressing issues like housing and immigration. As the relationship continues to evolve, Mamdani's strategies and proposals may play a significant role in shaping the future of New York City's housing landscape and addressing broader immigration concerns.

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