The latest verbal sparring match between London Mayor Sadiq Khan and then-US President Donald Trump erupted following Trump’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he leveled sharp criticisms against London and its mayor. Khan responded with an equally forceful rebuttal, accusing Trump of being “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic” and defending the capital’s vibrant multicultural identity.
Trump’s UN Address Ignites Transatlantic Row
During his speech at the UN, President Trump described London as a city that had “changed” under its “terrible mayor,” and made the unsubstantiated claim that the city “wants to go to Sharia law.” He linked these supposed shifts to broader concerns about immigration policies in Western Europe, warning of dire consequences if unchecked. These remarks were part of Trump’s wider criticism of European immigration strategies and reignited a long-standing feud between the two leaders, which dates back to Khan’s condemnation of Trump’s proposed ban on Muslim travel to the US in 2015. Trump has previously referred to Khan as a “terrible mayor” and a “stone-cold loser”.
Khan’s Scathing Response and Defense of London’s Global Standing
Mayor Sadiq Khan did not shy away from confronting the US President directly. He branded Trump “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic,” suggesting that Trump’s actions and words revealed his true character. Khan humorously suggested he was “living rent-free” inside Trump’s head, implying the President’s focus on him was unwarranted and excessive.
To counter Trump’s negative portrayal, Khan highlighted London’s status as a dynamic, liberal, and successful global city. He pointed to the record number of American tourists visiting London as evidence of its enduring appeal, stating that the city is “the greatest city in the world” and safer than many major US cities. Data supports London’s prominent global standing, with the city frequently ranking highly in areas such as nightlife, museums, and international traveler spending.
Political Reactions and the “Sharia Law” Accusation
The inflammatory remarks drew swift condemnation from many in the UK political sphere. Labour MPs, including Wes Streeting and Rosena Allin-Khan, rallied behind Mayor Khan, labeling Trump’s comments as “Islamophobic” and “blatant barefaced lies”. Streeting emphasized Khan’s inclusive leadership, stating he was focused on improving London, not imposing religious law. While some, like Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, described the ongoing dispute as a “beef,” they also acknowledged Trump’s “misreading” of London.
Contrary to the political consensus, Nigel Farage suggested Trump had a point regarding Sharia law in London, though he advised against taking the President’s statements literally. The accusation that London is moving towards Sharia law has been widely refuted, as Sharia councils in the UK are not legally binding and cannot override British legal systems. Khan’s office and other UK officials dismissed the claims as “appalling and bigoted”.
An Ongoing Transatlantic Narrative
This exchange underscores the continuing tensions between Mayor Khan’s progressive vision for London and Donald Trump’s critical rhetoric. Despite the personal attacks, Khan has consistently championed London’s diversity and its position as a top global city, a narrative supported by various international rankings and tourism data. The news story itself became a trending topic, reflecting the significant public interest in this high-profile news event and the ongoing narrative of London’s international standing.
