Trump Critiques Mayor Khan During Visit with UK Prime Minister

Donald Trump reignited his long-standing feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a visit to Turnberry, Scotland, on July 3, 2023. While standing alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed his disapproval of Khan’s leadership, calling him a “nasty person” and stating that he has “done a terrible job.” The remarks came in response to a question about a potential visit to London during his upcoming state visit.

The exchange created an uncomfortable moment for Starmer, who has shared a political affiliation with Khan through the Labour Party. In response to Trump’s comments, Starmer defended Khan, stating, “He’s a friend of mine, actually.” The tension highlighted the ongoing discord between Trump and Khan, who have clashed publicly on multiple occasions over the years.

Background of the Feud

Donald Trump and Sadiq Khan have a history of contentious interactions. Khan has criticized Trump’s presidency, particularly his second election campaign, which Khan argued reflected a rise in “racism and hatred.” This prompted Trump to label Khan as a “stone cold loser” and “very dumb” in the past. The mayor notably allowed anti-Trump activists to fly a blimp depicting Trump as a crying baby during his first state visit to the UK in 2018.

Despite their differences, Trump took the opportunity during his trip to praise Nigel Farage, the leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, which is currently challenging Starmer’s Labour government in the polls. Trump remarked, “Nigel, as you know, is a friend of mine. I like this man [Starmer] a lot, and I like Nigel.” He characterized Starmer as “slightly liberal” and Farage as “slightly conservative,” highlighting a perceived ideological divide between the two politicians.

Shared Values Amid Political Differences

Starmer, a center-left politician, sought to emphasize common ground with Trump, asserting that both leaders share a deep love for their respective countries and families. He remarked, “There’s a huge amount that we have already achieved,” suggesting that despite differing political perspectives, collaboration is possible when it comes to the interests of the UK and the US.

As the political landscape evolves, the relationship between Trump and Khan remains fraught with tension. This latest exchange serves as a reminder of the enduring divisions in contemporary politics, both in the UK and the US. The story continues to develop as reactions unfold from various political figures and constituents.