'I didn't want him there': Trump criticizes London Mayor Sadiq Khan, blocks him from royal banquet

Trump Had Personally Asked That London Mayor Not Be Invited to Banquet

US President Donald Trump used the final day of his state visit to the United Kingdom to attack London Mayor Sadiq Khan, revealing that he personally requested Khan be excluded from official events.

Asked about Khan’s absence from the Royal Banquet, Trump said bluntly: “I don’t want him there. I asked that he not be there. I don’t want. I think the Mayor of London Khan is among the worst mayors in the world. And we have some bad ones."

“The Mayor of London, Khan, is among the worst in the world… he’s the equivalent of the Mayor of Chicago. Mayor Khan has done a terrible job. On immigration, he’s a disaster. I’ve not liked him for a long time. I have a certain pride in London and the UK – my mother was born in Scotland. And when I see Mayor Khan doing a bad job – the stabbings, the dirt, the filth – it’s not the same. No, I didn’t want him there."

Trump reiterated his stance aboard Air Force One, saying: "I didn't want him there, I asked for him not to be there, I don't want that." He added, "Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London wasn't welcomed, and he did not attend. It was requested that he not attend," claiming that Khan had wanted to be present.

Continuing his criticism, Trump said, "Crime in London is through the roof. Mayor Khan has done a terrible job, and on immigration, he's a disaster."

These comments came as Trump concluded his UK state visit with First Lady Melania Trump, during which he had to switch to a support helicopter due to a "minor hydraulic issue," CNN reported, citing the White House.