Donald Trump has ignited headlines across the UK by restarting his public feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. While speaking at a high-profile press conference in Scotland, Trump labelled Sadiq Khan as a “nasty person” and claimed that he had “done a terrible job” running the capital. These remarks come despite Khan’s recent efforts to adopt a more diplomatic tone toward the former US president and current frontrunner for the next American term.
When pressed about the possibility of visiting London during his anticipated state trip in September, Trump did not hold back. “I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job. A nasty person, I think,” Trump told gathered reporters and dignitaries.
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Keir Starmer Takes a Stand
At the same press conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded swiftly to Trump’s repeated attacks. Starmer interjected, “He’s a friend of mine, actually.” Starmer’s move surprised many and marks a notable shift in the Labour Party’s relationship with both US and local London leadership.
Many see Keir Starmer’s defence of Sadiq Khan as a shrewd effort to foster diplomatic ties, despite the personal tensions dominating the headlines. But Trump stayed on message, repeating his dislike for Khan’s record while still confirming his intention to visit London later this year.
Sadiq Khan Fires Back And Plays Up London’s Strengths
Sadiq Khan quickly responded through his spokesperson, signalling he was “delighted” at the prospect of Trump experiencing the capital’s diversity. Khan has used the row as a platform to celebrate London’s rich multicultural identity, suggesting that the city’s diversity makes it stronger and more prosperous. His team even pointed out a record number of Americans seeking British citizenship during Trump’s tenure, using this as evidence of the city’s global appeal.
The Sadiq Khan camp didn’t hesitate to remind the public that Khan has secured three successive terms as London mayor, including a victory after Trump lost his own re-election bid. Londoners, he argued, continue to support him in the face of international criticism.
A Long-Running Political Rivalry
This clash is just the latest chapter in a personal feud that has spanned years and two presidencies. Sadiq Khan and Trump’s war of words began during Trump’s first term, sparked by the US leader’s controversial pledge to ban Muslims from entering America. Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, emerged as a vocal critic of Trump’s rhetoric. Trump in turn called Sadiq Khan a “stone-cold loser” and “very dumb”, raising issues of race and religion that resonated deeply across the UK.
Khan has previously argued that Trump singles him out because of his background and faith. “If I wasn’t this colour skin, if I wasn’t a practising Muslim, he wouldn’t have come for me,” Khan said in an earlier interview.
The Political Stakes And National Impact
The timing of this new flare-up could hardly be more dramatic, with both US and UK politics in flux. Trump’s advice for Starmer included cutting taxes and immigration to boost electoral prospects against Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. These comments, delivered in the context of a rapidly changing immigration debate, underline how policy and personal rivalry are intertwined for global leaders.
Meanwhile, Khan faces tough scrutiny at home. Recent news highlights his defence of plans to close several London police station front counters, a decision that has caused controversy among fellow Londoners and his political opponents. Critics argue this move betrays a promise he made to maintain local police access, while Khan insists the changes are a response to resource and funding pressures in the Metropolitan Police.
Sadiq Khan Remains Unbowed
Despite a barrage of international criticism, Sadiq Khan continues to frame London as a city proud of its tolerance and achievements. The ongoing rivalry with Trump ensures his profile stays at the top of the national conversation.
For those who keep Googling “sadiq khan,” the mayor remains one of the most talked-about and searched-for figures in British public life. Whether supporting or challenging him, no one can deny that Sadiq Khan shapes the narrative whenever his name trends in the headlines.