‘Racist, sexist and Islamophobic’: London Mayor Sadiq Khan slams Trump over UNGA remarks

London mayor hits back at Trump as feud renews

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned US President Donald Trump’s attacks on the UK capital during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), calling the president “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic.”

Trump, in his address at the UNGA in New York, singled out Khan, describing him as a “terrible, terrible mayor” and claiming that London was moving towards Sharia law. “And I have to say, I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor. And it’s been so changed, so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law, but you’re in a different country. You can’t do that,” Trump said.

Speaking to reporters during a London bus tour, Khan responded: “I think people are wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multicultural, progressive, successful city that means I appear to be living rent-free in Donald Trump’s head.” He added, “I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic.”

Khan highlighted London’s achievements, saying it is a liberal, multicultural, and successful city that ranks high in foreign investment. “I’m really proud that we are the greatest city in the world,” he added.

This is not the first time the two leaders have clashed. Khan had criticised Trump in 2016 over his proposed travel ban on people from Muslim-majority countries. In 2019, prior to Trump’s first state visit to the UK, Khan compared him to European dictators from the 1930s and 40s. Trump has also insulted Khan publicly, calling him a “stone cold loser” and challenging him to an IQ test.

Khan, summarising their ongoing feud, told ITV London, “I think I’ve got squatters’ rights for the amount of time I’ve spent in Donald Trump’s head.” He also noted the strong ties between London and the US: “I’m just thankful that we have record numbers of Americans coming to London since records began. There’s never been a period when more Americans have come to London. There must be a reason for that.”

The latest clash followed Trump’s remarks on Air Force One, where he said he did not want Khan at the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III. “I didn’t want him there. I asked that he not be there. I think the Mayor of London, Khan, is among the worst mayors in the world and we have some bad ones. I think he’s done a terrible job,” Trump told reporters.

Khan reiterated his pride in London, saying the city remains “the greatest city in the world and long may that continue.”