London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated that Donald Trump's election to the White House led to a 2,000% surge in death threats directed at him, intensifying a long-standing feud between the two political figures.
Khan, speaking to Republica, described the personal impact of such threats, noting that it is difficult for him, his family, and his friends to endure them and the necessity of police protection. He added that a subsequent election of Trump saw threats increase by another 100%. Khan attributed the animosity to Trump and his "nativist" followers, suggesting that Trump's disdain stems from London's progressive, liberal, diverse, and multicultural identity.
The public exchange between Trump and Khan has spanned several years. In December of the previous year, Trump referred to Khan as a "horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor" and accused him of transforming London due to mass migration. Khan, in turn, labeled Trump a "bully" and a "nativist," remarking that the former president appeared to be "living rent-free inside this guy's head."
Khan drew parallels between the online rhetoric and real-life violence, referencing the murders of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, emphasizing that threats should not be considered an inherent part of holding public office.
This latest escalation in their feud follows past accusations. Khan has previously suggested Trump's criticism was motivated by jealousy, highlighting London's status as a global city. Trump, in one instance, accused Khan of wanting to impose Sharia law on London, a claim Khan refuted, labeling Trump as "racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic."
Khan also mentioned that "China and Russia also spread disinformation" about him and London, stating that the inaction of tech companies aids these efforts. He views the attacks on London as a consequence of its identity as a successful, diverse metropolis.