Mayor Khan Responds to Trump's UN Remarks
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly branded former US President Donald Trump as 'racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic.' The strong condemnation came on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in response to comments made by Trump during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
During his UNGA speech, Trump launched criticisms against the United Nations itself, NATO allies, and specifically targeted Mayor Khan and the city of London. Trump referred to Khan as a 'terrible, terrible mayor' and falsely asserted that London was moving towards 'Sharia law.'
Trump's Criticisms at the UN General Assembly
In his wide-ranging speech, Donald Trump accused the UN of 'causing new problems rather than solving existing issues.' He also criticized NATO allies, suggesting they were 'funding the war against themselves' by not ceasing purchases of Russian oil. However, his most direct and personal attacks were reserved for Sadiq Khan and the UK capital.
Trump's remarks included claims that London had 'changed' and that its leadership aimed to implement Islamic legal systems, a statement for which there is no evidence. These comments reignited a long-standing feud between the two political figures.
Mayor Khan's Forceful Rebuttal
Responding to Trump's accusations, Mayor Khan stated, 'I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic.' He further quipped that he appeared to be 'living rent-free inside Donald Trump's head.'
Khan defended London's global standing, highlighting the city's success and popularity. He pointed out the 'record numbers of Americans coming to London,' suggesting this indicates the city's appeal despite Trump's negative portrayal. The Mayor reiterated that London is a 'liberal, multicultural, progressive, successful city' and 'the greatest city in the world.' He also emphasized that the 'special relationship' between the UK and USA should allow for candid criticism when allies are 'wrong.'
A History of Public Tensions
The animosity between Sadiq Khan and Donald Trump dates back to 2015, when Khan, then a mayoral candidate, criticized Trump's proposal for a ban on Muslims entering the US. The feud escalated following terrorist attacks in London in 2017, when Trump mischaracterized Khan's statements regarding the incidents. Over the years, Trump has frequently used strong language against Khan, including calling him a 'nasty person' and a 'stone cold loser.' Prior to a state visit to the UK, Khan accused Trump of fueling 'divisive, far-Right politics,' and Trump later claimed he had requested Khan not attend a state banquet. This latest exchange marks another chapter in their ongoing public dispute.
6 Comments
Muchacho
Trump's attacks on London are just baseless and embarrassing.
Coccinella
Excellent, Khan stood up to that bully like a true leader.
Bermudez
More political posturing from Khan. So predictable.
Africa
"Living rent-free in his head" is the perfect mic drop! Go Khan.
Raphael
Khan should focus on London's problems, not US politics.
Leonardo
Defending London's diversity is crucial, but Khan's choice of such strong labels for Trump could be seen as equally divisive. It makes constructive dialogue even harder.