US President Donald Trump has revived his long-running criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, describing him as a “terrible Mayor” while also taking aim at Britain’s position on the Iran conflict and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.
In remarks about the UK, Trump said the country had changed significantly, singling out London in particular. “It’s also not such a recognisable country,” he said, adding: “London is a very different place, with a terrible Mayor. You have a terrible Mayor there, some terrible people. But it’s a very different place.”
His comments come amid tensions between Washington and London over the escalating conflict involving Iran.
Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s response, saying Britain had not aligned with other allies. “It’s not going to matter, but (Keir Starmer) should have helped... he should have,” he said, contrasting the UK with other countries. “I mean, France has been great. They’ve all been great. The UK has been much different from others.”
The US President also hinted at political motivations behind the UK’s stance. When asked whether Starmer was appealing to Muslim voters after a recent by-election loss, Trump responded: “It could be.”
He further suggested policy changes, advising the Prime Minister to “open up the North Sea” and to “stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you.”
City Hall pushed back strongly against Trump’s remarks. A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said: “The Mayor is clearly still living rent free in Donald Trump’s head. He’s obsessed with him. Sadiq could probably claim squatters rights.”
The exchange adds to a history of public clashes between the two figures, with Trump having previously criticised Khan on multiple occasions, including during an address to the UN General Assembly.
Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical backdrop continues to intensify. The conflict involving Iran, the US and its allies has entered its fourth day, with ongoing strikes and counterstrikes across the region. The UK government has distanced itself from direct involvement in offensive operations.
Starmer defended that position earlier this week, stating that his government “does not believe in regime change from the skies.” He also told Parliament that any UK action “must always have a lawful basis and a viable thought-through plan.”
Although Britain declined to participate in initial strikes, UK-linked bases are now being used for defensive purposes, including protecting allied nations targeted by Tehran.
As military activity continues, Trump signaled that further escalation could be imminent, warning that a “big” wave of airstrikes on Iran is still to come.
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