Trump tells Mamdani he has 'great potential' as mayor, floats federal funds for Queens rail yard project

President Donald Trump visited Gracie Mansion on Monday, marking the first presidential visit to the mayor's residence in decades, where he praised Mayor Zohran Mamdani's potential and discussed federal funding for Sunnyside Yards. Trump told Mamdani he has "great potential" to be a great mayor, despite their public policy disagreements, and recalled encouraging him to move into the mansion. The two discussed a proposal to deck over the Queens rail yard for 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs, requiring over $21 billion in federal grants. Trump did not commit to funding but acknowledged the project needs federal approvals and money, noting he has watched Sunnyside for 35 years. The press conference also covered Temporary Protected Status for Haitian New Yorkers and White House press access.