Trump Launches Another Verbal Attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan Amid Ongoing Feud

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Trump Launches Another Verbal Attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan Amid Ongoing Feud
The president of the United States has criticized London's mayor, calling him "a nasty person" who has "done a terrible job," before stating that he will "certainly" visit London.

Donald Trump made his statements during a news conference in Scotland, where he is on a four-day informal summer visit, and they follow a prior fight with Sir Sadiq Khan, in which he called the mayor a "stone-cold loser".

Sitting next to the president, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer interrupted when Trump insulted Sir Sadiq, stating, "He's a friend of mine."

In response, a mayoral spokesperson stated that Sir Sadiq was "delighted that President Trump wants to come to the greatest city in the world". 

"He'd see how our diversity makes us stronger, not weaker; richer, not poorer," the representative explained.

"Perhaps these are the reasons why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his presidency."

During a press conference at a Trump golf course in Turnberry, South Ayrshire, a journalist asked the president if he planned to visit London during his state visit to the UK later this year.

He responded, "I'm not a fan of your mayor."  I think the mayor of London has done a bad job and is a cruel person. 

In July, Trump formally accepted King Charles III's offer to join him and Queen Camilla on an unusual second state visit.

The US president will be accompanied by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, on the trip, which will take place from September 17 to 19, and will be held at Windsor Castle.

Trump has not been hesitant about commenting on British politics, recently praising various UK politicians, including Sir Keir and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Farage made multiple appearances and addresses at Trump rallies during the 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. 

When Trump was running for president in 2024, he said at one of his rallies that Farage was backstage and that the newly elected MP was "doing a great job".

At a rally shortly before his November 2024 election, Trump stated, "He's always been my friend for some reason.  He liked me, I liked him, and he's shaking things up over there.

"He was a big winner in the last UK election."

"He's a very spectacular man, very highly respected, Nigel Farage." 

Since taking office for the second time in January, Trump has complimented Sir Keir, whose party won the 2024 general election, resulting in the Labour leader becoming Prime Minister.

At a press conference on Monday, the US president stated that Sir Keir has provided him with "great support".

He went on to say, "You've always been there for us when we needed help or support.  We sincerely appreciate it, and we will continue." 

Trump also praised his wife Victoria Starmer, stating, "I respect him a lot more now than I did before because I just met his wife and family.  "He has a perfect wife, which is never easy to achieve."

The prime minister responded, "I take no credit for that."

At Monday's press conference, Trump also discussed his forecasts for the next UK election, as well as the challenge the administration faces from Reform UK.

He explained, "I happen to enjoy both men.  I like this dude (Starmer), and I like Nigel.

"And, you know, I don't understand the politics over here.  I do not know where they stand. 

"I would say one is slightly liberal - not that liberal, slightly-and the other one is slightly conservative, but they're both good men."

He went on to say, "(Starmer) did an excellent job with the economy, because a lot of money will flow in as a result of the agreement.

"But I think that, I think that immigration is now bigger than ever before."

The president had previously stated that he believes Sir Keir, who has been in government for almost a year, will be "a tax cutter." 

The White House termed the trip to Scotland as a "private" one, with the primary goal of visiting his two golf courses, Trump International in Menie, Aberdeenshire, and Trump Turnberry, South Ayrshire.

This isn't the first time the US president has criticized Sir Sadiq.

He called London's mayor, who was re-elected for a third term in 2024, a "stone-cold loser who should focus on crime in London" in 2019. 

That was shortly after he landed on Air Force One at Stansted and sent two tweets criticizing the mayor.

It came after Sir Sadiq attacked Trump ahead of his three-day state visit to the UK.