Trump and New York mayor Zohran Mamdani held another friendly meeting, a surprising sign of cooperation that could mean federal money for new housing.

• The two met at Gracie Mansion, their third meeting since Mamdani took office, and Trump praised him as a potential "great mayor."
• The main topic was a plan to build 12,000 homes over Sunnyside Yards in Queens, a project that would need federal approvals and federal cash.
• The warmth comes even though Mamdani is leading a group of cities suing the Trump administration over a rule that would deny green cards to immigrants who used public assistance.
• Mamdani also pressed Trump on protected status for Haitians, and Trump softened his tone on the issue without committing to anything.
• The friendliness has angered parts of Trump's base, where attacks on Mamdani focus on his religion rather than his policies.

Outlook: Whether any federal money actually shows up for the housing project is the real test, and Trump's promises often go unfulfilled.