London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized President Donald Trump’s political approach as promoting fear and division, following reports that Trump requested Khan not be included in the state banquet held on Wednesday. Although Trump claimed that Khan wanted to attend the banquet, sources close to Khan clarified that he did not seek or anticipate an invitation.
In the ongoing exchange of verbal jabs between the two figures, a source representing Khan emphasized that Trump’s rhetoric undermines London’s reputation as a thriving global city, highlighting its openness and safety compared to major American cities. Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his return to the US after the UK visit, labeled Khan a “disaster” on immigration and criticized his performance as the Mayor of London.
Trump also disclosed that he had requested Khan not be present at the state banquet hosted by the King, asserting that Khan desired to attend but he intervened to prevent it. This clash between the two leaders dates back to Trump’s previous presidency, with confrontations such as Trump challenging Khan to an IQ test in response to Khan’s criticism of Trump’s stance on Islam.
During Trump’s recent visit to Scotland, he reignited his feud with Khan by branding him a “nasty person.” Khan, ahead of Trump’s UK visit, accused Trump and his associates of fueling divisive far-right politics globally. In an article for The Guardian coinciding with Trump’s state visit, Khan urged Londoners to stand against fear-mongering tactics and divisive politics propagated by Trump.
Both parties have a history of public clashes, with Khan consistently challenging Trump’s policies and rhetoric, while Trump disparages Khan’s leadership, particularly focusing on crime rates in London. The strained relationship between the two figures has been characterized by public spats and differing political ideologies.