Trump, Mamdani Hold Second Meeting to Address Student Housing and Detention Issues

New York, Feb 27 : New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, marking their second discussion since Mamdani’s mayoral election last year. The meeting focused on key issues including expanding affordable housing in New York City and the recent detention of Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva by federal immigration authorities.

Mamdani confirmed on social media that the meeting was “productive” and highlighted Trump’s support for initiatives to increase housing availability. He also raised concerns regarding Aghayeva’s detention, with Trump assuring that she would be “released imminently.” Following the meeting, the student confirmed her release on Instagram.

Despite their political differences Mamdani being a Democrat and Trump a Republican their discussions have remained cordial. Housing affordability has been central to both leaders’ agendas, particularly as housing costs in the U.S. remain elevated.

Trump, a former real estate developer, has emphasized housing expansion in his State of the Union address and through recent policies, though high mortgage rates and limited supply continue to challenge potential homeowners. Experts note that trade and immigration policies have also affected construction costs and labor availability.

Mamdani has previously criticized Trump’s strict immigration measures and his approach to foreign conflicts, including U.S. policy on Israel’s military actions in Gaza, highlighting the broader contrasts in their policy outlooks.