Mamdani declines Kimmel’s request to text Trump a selfie

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined Jimmy Kimmel’s request to text President Donald Trump a selfie of the two men during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, saying he would not risk attention to housing priorities for the joke. Mamdani said his communications with Trump focus on city issues, including a proposed development at Sunnyside Yard. The exchange aired Monday during Kimmel’s Brooklyn broadcasts. Asked whether he would send Trump a picture of himself and the host, Mamdani replied, “Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more.” The response referred to the Sunnyside Yard proposal, which Mamdani has discussed with Trump. Kimmel had asked how Mamdani and Trump developed what he described as a friendly relationship despite their political disagreements. Mamdani said they share an interest in New York City and that, from their first meeting in November 2025, he had sought to use their discussions to address residents’ needs. He said they communicate from time to time about Sunnyside Yard and how to deliver for the city. Mamdani described Sunnyside Yard as a proposal for about 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs.