Former President Donald Trump has escalated his ongoing verbal conflict with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, describing him as "grossly incompetent," "a bad person," and "a horrible representative" for Britain.
Speaking to reporters at the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump criticized Khan while also referencing what he perceived as failures in the United Kingdom regarding immigration and crime. "You have a terrible Mayor of London, by the way. I don't want to cause any problems but your Mayor of London is grossly incompetent, a bad person and a horrible representative for your country," Trump stated. He further characterized the Mayor of London as a "horror show" and linked immigration to crime issues in the city.
This exchange marks the latest in a series of criticisms between the two figures. The renewed verbal sparring follows comments made by Khan earlier in the week, who suggested a connection between Trump's electoral successes and an increase in online threats directed at him. Khan told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that threats against him rose by 2,000 percent after Trump's initial election in 2016 and by 100 percent during his second term. Khan also stated he remains under police protection, which he believes should not be the cost of being mayor.
When asked about Trump's persistent criticism, Khan attributed it to London's identity as a "progressive, liberal, diverse, multicultural and highly successful city," which he views as the antithesis of Trump's ideology. Khan suggested that Trump and his "MAGA" movement, along with disinformation from China and Russia, target London's inclusive nature. He asserted that Londoners are proud of their city's increasing cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere, prosperity, and safety.
The public disagreement between Trump and Khan dates back to 2015, coinciding with Trump's first presidential campaign and his proposal to ban Muslims from the United States. The criticisms have intensified in recent months, notably after Trump, without providing evidence, claimed during a speech at the United Nations last September that London intended to adopt "Sharia law" under Khan's mayorship. Khan responded by calling Trump "racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic."
In December, Trump told Politico that Khan was a "horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor" and criticized the UK for its immigration policies. He also expressed disdain for the perceived changes in London and Paris. Khan, in turn, noted that Americans are "flocking" to London and expressed bemusement at Trump's apparent obsession with him, stating he felt like he was "living rent-free inside this guy’s head for 10 years."
During his meeting with Rutte, Trump also commented on Andy Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister's preferred candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor, describing him as "extremely liberal" and suggesting he would not support opening up North Sea oil reserves. Trump advocated for the UK to exploit its North Sea oil resources, asserting that global energy companies would pay billions for access, and criticized "the Left" for hindering such economic opportunities.