WASHINGTON D.C. (Feb 27, 2026) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, using a creative “mock newspaper” tactic to pitch a massive $21 billion federal housing investment.
The “Trump to City” Pitch
Mamdani presented Trump with a fake New York Daily News front page featuring the headline “Trump to City: Let’s Build.” * Historic Homage: The stunt flipped the famous 1975 “Ford to City: Drop Dead” cover, symbolizing a plea for federal partnership rather than rejection.
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Positive Reception: Trump was reportedly “very enthusiastic” about the pitch, posing for photos with the mock-up in the Oval Office.
The $21 Billion Sunnyside Project
The heart of the meeting was a “once-in-a-generation” proposal to redevelop the Sunnyside Yard in Queens:
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The Plan: Build a massive platform deck over the 180-acre rail hub—potentially the largest in the world.
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Housing Impact: The project would create up to 12,000 affordable homes for low- and moderate-income residents.
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Infrastructure & Jobs: Estimates suggest the development would generate 30,000 union jobs and include new schools, parks, and clinics.
If approved, the Sunnyside Yard redevelopment would mark the most significant infrastructure and housing investment in New York City in over half a century.
