London Mayor Sadiq Khan has accused President Donald Trump of being racist, sexist, and Islamophobic following Trump’s criticism of him as a “terrible” mayor. Khan, the leader of the Labour Party in London, suggested that Trump seems preoccupied with him, stating that he appears to be living rent-free in the American leader’s mind. Trump reignited his ongoing feud with Khan during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, where he once again labeled Khan as a “terrible” mayor and implied a push for sharia law in London.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Khan highlighted the success of London as a liberal, multiracial, and progressive city under his leadership. He questioned why Trump seems fixated on a Muslim mayor who champions diversity and inclusivity. When asked if he believed Trump was Islamophobic, Khan stated that Trump has displayed racist, sexist, and Islamophobic behavior.
In defense of his mayoral record, Khan pointed out the record numbers of American visitors to London, indicating the city’s global appeal in culture, investment, sports, and overall potential. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden dismissed Trump’s claim about London wanting sharia law as a misinterpretation of the city’s values, with other Labour MPs rallying behind Khan. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized Khan’s support for diversity and improvement initiatives in London, while senior Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry praised Khan’s progressive stance and dismissed any insinuations of promoting Sharia Law.
Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq denounced Trump’s statements as blatant falsehoods, and Rosena Allin-Khan, Khan’s successor in Tooting, called for the U.S. ambassador to be summoned over the remarks. Allin-Khan emphasized London’s celebration of diversity and rejection of racism and bigotry, attributing the city’s greatness to Khan’s leadership.