Trump Renews Attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan During UK Visit; PM Starmer Defends Him

During a joint press conference in Scotland with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump reignited his long-running feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. When asked if he planned to visit London during his upcoming state trip in September, Trump confirmed but took the opportunity to criticize Khan.

“I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job,” Trump said. Doubling down, he added, “The Mayor of London… a nasty person.”

Prime Minister Starmer, a political ally of Khan, quickly stepped in, stating, “He’s a friend of mine, actually.”

Trump, undeterred, repeated his criticism: “I think he’s done a terrible job. But I would certainly visit London.”

The animosity between Trump and Khan, both from opposing political parties, is long-standing. Back in January, ahead of Trump’s return to the White House, Khan authored an article warning that reactionary populists like Trump pose a major challenge to progressive values. During Trump’s first term, the two clashed repeatedly—particularly after Khan denounced Trump’s travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations. Trump had then called Khan “very dumb” and a “stone cold loser.”

Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, has accused Trump of targeting him due to his race and religion. “He’s come for me because of… my ethnicity and my religion,” Khan said in a podcast recorded before Trump’s re-election in November 2024.

However, speaking to AFP in December, Khan acknowledged Trump’s electoral victory, stating, “The American people have spoken loudly and clearly, and we have got to respect the outcome.”

Responding to Trump’s latest remarks, a spokesperson for Khan said on Monday, “The mayor is delighted that President Trump wants to come to the greatest city in the world. He’d see how our diversity makes us stronger, not weaker; richer, not poorer.”