New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani politely rejected Jimmy Kimmel's attempt to turn his communication with President Donald Trump into a late-night television bit.
During a Sept. 28 appearance
on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Mamdani discussed his unexpected working relationship with Trump and confirmed that the two communicate by text "from time to time." His appearance came as Kimmel began a week of broadcasts from Brooklyn, New York.Kimmel asked whether Trump responds quickly and whether his messages resemble his frequently capitalized social media posts. Mamdani described the president's texting style as "pretty standard."
"You've really broken through with him," Kimmel joked before suggesting they send Trump "a selfie of us right now."
But Mamdani
declined.
"Jimmy, I love you, but I love housing more," the mayor responded, drawing laughter from the Brooklyn audience.
Kimmel also pointed out the "very unexpected" and "friendly relationship" that Mamdani has with President Trump despite their political differences.
"Did you guys hit it off immediately or is it something that you really went into thinking, 'OK, I need to have a relationship with the president of the United States, and I think the best way to do it is to charm him.' How did you do that, and can you help me?" Kimmel asked Mamdani.
The mayor said he and Trump disagree on numerous issues but share an affection for New York City. Mamdani said that since their first meeting in November, he has tried to keep their conversations focused on residents rather than their political differences.
Mamdani explained that his communication with Trump has focused on matters affecting New Yorkers, including the proposed redevelopment of Sunnyside Yard in Queens. The project could create an estimated 12,000 homes and 30,000 jobs, but would require support from the federal government.
"From time to time we're in communication, and it's about Sunnyside Yard, and it's about how we can deliver for the city," replied Mamdani. "One of the other things the president mentioned that we spoke about, that I care very deeply about, is Haitian New Yorkers. They've had their Protected Status ended, and I really believe we need to do whatever we can so they have stability. They're part of the fabric of this city."
What happened between Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Trump?
Kimmel has been one of Trump's most persistent late-night critics, but their feud intensified in April after the comedian joked that first lady Melania Trump had "a glow like an expectant widow" during a mock White House Correspondents' Dinner monologue.
The remark resurfaced after a gunman opened fire outside the actual dinner two days later. Melania Trump accused Kimmel of spreading "hateful and violent rhetoric," while the president joined calls for ABC to fire him. Kimmel defended the remark as a light joke about the couple's age difference.
The tensions continued in June when Trump said he had "taken out" Stephen Colbert and suggested other late-night hosts could be next. Kimmel responded by mocking the president during his monologue.
Kimmel has also acknowledged uncertainty surrounding his show's future. In a June interview, he said Colbert's departure felt like a glimpse of his own future and argued that late-night television was "being poisoned" rather than simply losing viewers.
ABC also briefly suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in September 2025 after Kimmel accused the "MAGA gang" of trying to portray the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk as outside its movement, comments that drew criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr while Trump celebrated the show's removal. Kimmel returned less than a week later, saying he never intended to make light of Kirk's killing and arguing that government pressure on broadcasters threatened free speech.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Anthony Robledo, Edward Segarra, USA TODAY; Lori Comstock, USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mayor Zohran Mamdani refuses to text Trump a selfie with Jimmy Kimmel
