Zohran Mamdani shuts down Jimmy Kimmel’s request to text Trump a selfie

Zohran Mamdani declines Jimmy Kimmel’s request to text Donald Trump a selfie during his late-night show appearance

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined Jimmy Kimmel’s request to send President Donald Trump a selfie of the two during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Mamdani appeared on the late-night show on Monday, September 28, as Kimmel began a week of broadcasts from the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The conversation included Mamdani’s relationship with Trump, who recently visited the mayor at Gracie Mansion.

Kimmel asked Mamdani about his interactions with the president despite their political disagreements. Mamdani said the two share a focus on New York City and explained that he had approached their meetings by focusing on issues that could make life easier for New Yorkers.

The mayor also confirmed that he and Trump communicate by text from time to time. According to Mamdani, their conversations have included the proposed Sunnyside Yard project and issues affecting New Yorkers.

Mamdani has been seeking federal support for the Sunnyside Yard proposal, which could create about 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. He also discussed Haitian New Yorkers and the need for stability following the end of their Protected Status.

Kimmel later suggested that Mamdani send Trump a selfie of the two of them from the studio. Mamdani declined the request, telling the host, “Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more.”

The exchange came as Jimmy Kimmel Live returned to Brooklyn for a week of shows featuring guests including Paul McCartney, Billy Crystal, Howard Stern and Mahershala Ali.