The Story of London’s Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan, Considered Donald Trump’s Biggest Rival

In his UNGA speech, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, alleging he wants to bring Sharia law to London. The clash between Trump and Khan is not new; the two have engaged in multiple verbal spats before.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s address at the United Nations General Assembly grabbed attention for several reasons. First, he spoke for nearly 55 minutes, making it one of his longest speeches. Second, he delivered sharp criticisms not only towards the United Nations but also targeted several European nations. Amid these remarks, Trump once again aimed at London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Trump accused Khan of steering London toward Sharia law. He said, “Look at London, where there is a terrible mayor, a very terrible one. The city has completely changed.” This is not the first time Trump has singled out Khan. He frequently criticizes the mayor over London’s security and immigration policies, while Khan consistently describes Trump’s politics as hateful and divisive.

Why Sadiq Khan Is in Trump’s Crosshairs
Sadiq Khan has been serving as London’s mayor since 2016 and represents the Labour Party. He is associated with the party’s soft-left faction and is widely regarded as a social democrat in ideology. Tensions between Trump and Khan have existed since 2015, when Khan criticized Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States. In 2019, Trump called Khan a “stone-cold loser,” to which Khan responded by accusing Trump of fueling far-right politics.

Trump Excluded Khan from Royal Events
During his visit to the UK, Trump claimed he requested that Khan be excluded from royal banquets at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Trump argued that Khan ranks among the world’s worst mayors and has failed entirely in managing immigration and crime. Khan, in response, dismissed Trump’s remarks, stating he had far more pressing issues to focus on than Trump’s criticisms.

Supporters Stand by Sadiq Khan
Trump also criticized Europe’s immigration and climate policies, claiming that illegal migration had overwhelmed the continent like never before. Reacting strongly, Khan’s spokesperson called Trump’s statements discriminatory. Labour Party MP Wes Streeting defended Khan on social media, writing that Khan does not intend to impose Sharia law on London. The Muslim Council of Britain issued an even sharper response, wishing Trump well and implying that his misconceptions seemed to grow daily.