London Mayor Sadiq Khan has hit back at former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of being “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic” after Trump suggested that Khan wanted to impose sharia law in the British capital.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump described Khan as a “terrible, terrible mayor” and claimed London was being steered toward sharia law — a statement widely dismissed as baseless.
“I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law. But you are in a different country, you can’t do that,” Trump said.
In response, Khan told Sky News that Trump’s remarks reflected his long history of hostility toward Muslims and minorities.
“I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic and he is Islamophobic,” Khan said.
“London Still Thriving”
Pressed on Trump’s comments branding him a “terrible” mayor, Khan pointed to record numbers of American tourists and investors flocking to the city.
“Since records began, there’s only been a period where more Americans have come to London. There must be a reason for that. On many indicators — culture, foreign investment, sports, and opportunities for people — London is consistently ranked the No. 1 global city. I’m really proud we are the greatest city in the world,” he added.
Khan, who has served as mayor since 2016, noted that despite repeated attacks from Trump, London remains a hub of diversity, investment, and culture.
UK Government Response
Earlier on Wednesday, Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden said Trump was “misreading” London, insisting that Khan’s leadership had not led the city toward Islamic law.
The remarks add to years of personal animosity between Khan and Trump. In 2016, Khan criticized Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban during his first presidential campaign. Ahead of Trump’s state visit to the UK in 2019, Khan compared him to “European dictators of the 1930s and 40s.”
Trump, in turn, has repeatedly insulted Khan, once branding him a “stone cold loser” and even challenging him to an IQ test.
Despite the fiery exchanges, current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has attempted to maintain ties with Trump, extending an unprecedented second state visit invitation last week.
For Khan, however, Trump’s latest remarks only highlight the ongoing ideological rift between the two leaders — one rooted in sharply contrasting views on immigration, diversity, and global leadership.
