Trump’s feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan has flared up again, and this time he’s calling Khan “one of the worst mayors in the world.” The comment came during Trump’s recent state visit to the UK, where he said Khan shouldn’t be invited to the royal banquet at Windsor Castle. According to Trump, Khan had shown interest in attending, but Trump personally asked that he be excluded.
This isn’t exactly new territory. The two have been sparring for years, usually around crime, immigration, and Trump’s broader style of politics. Trump argues that London has seen a rise in violent crime and blames Khan’s leadership. He also accused him of failing on immigration, framing London as unsafe and poorly managed.
Khan’s camp brushed off the attack. His spokesperson said Trump’s comments misrepresented London and pointed out that the city is still safer than a lot of major American cities. They also emphasized London’s reputation as a diverse, thriving global capital, not the “disaster” Trump described.
The timing makes it more than just a personal spat. State visits are usually meant to showcase goodwill and strengthen ties. When a sitting U.S. president asks that the mayor of the host city be barred from a major ceremonial event, it sends a strong signal. It’s unusual, to say the least, and it could strain relations when both countries are trying to stay aligned on trade, security, and global politics.
Of course, Trump’s remarks also play into his political brand. His blunt attacks resonate with some audiences back home who are fed up with establishment leaders and urban politicians. For others, especially in the UK, it comes across as needlessly divisive. Khan has said before that Trump thrives on stirring up conflict, and this latest episode fits that pattern.
Whether you see Trump’s criticism as fair depends on where you stand politically. Crime in London has gone up in some categories, but it’s not the lawless picture Trump paints. And immigration, which is often at the heart of his jabs, remains one of London’s strengths in Khan’s eyes.
What sticks out most is how personal it’s become. Instead of two leaders debating policy, it’s turned into a long-running rivalry. The insults get headlines, but they also make it harder for either side to engage in constructive discussion.
