New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani traveled to Washington this week for an unannounced meeting with President Donald Trump and later boasted that he successfully pushed for the release of a Columbia University student, Elaina Aghayeva, who had been detained by ICE.

Mamdani posted a photo of the meeting on social media, writing, “I had a productive meeting with President Trump this afternoon. I’m looking forward to building more housing in New York City.”

The image quickly drew attention. The photo depicts President Trump holding newspapers that sharply contrast two political eras. On the right side of the image appears the historic 1975 New York Daily News headline, “Ford To City: Drop Dead,” widely viewed as symbolizing federal abandonment of New York City during its financial crisis. On the left, a new photoshopped headline reads, “Trump To City: Let’s Build,” referencing a proposal to endorse the construction of 12,000 homes and signaling what supporters describe as renewed federal support.

According to reports, the meeting had not been publicly announced in advance. The New York Post first reported on the planned visit, citing sources who said Mamdani was spotted on a Delta flight to Washington on the morning of February 26. The New York Times also reported that the mayor made the trip quietly, citing sources familiar with his plans.

Shortly after the meeting, Mamdani announced on X that President Trump had agreed to release a Columbia student from ICE custody at his request.

“Just got off the phone with President Trump. In our meeting earlier, I shared my concerns about Columbia student Elaina Aghayeva, who was detained by ICE this morning. He has just informed me that she will be released imminently,” Mamdani wrote.

The development immediately sparked political reaction, with critics questioning the circumstances of the detention and supporters highlighting what they described as direct presidential responsiveness.

The White House has not yet released an official statement detailing the nature of the detention or the decision to release the student.