Sadiq Khan Declares He's More Popular with Americans Than Donald Trump
In a bold statement, Sir Sadiq Khan has asserted that he holds greater popularity among Americans than former US President Donald Trump, as their decade-long feud escalates to new heights. The Mayor of London pointed to recent immigration data as concrete evidence supporting his claim, highlighting a significant increase in Americans seeking British citizenship.
Surge in American Citizenship Applications
According to Home Office figures, the first half of 2025 saw 4,125 Americans apply for British citizenship, marking a substantial 40 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024. Khan attributes this trend to the political divisions fostered by Trump, emphasizing that London's core values and diverse culture serve as powerful attractions for U.S. citizens. He remarked to MyLondon, "I'm really pleased and proud that since the start of 2024, we've had record numbers of Americans coming to study here, coming to live here, and coming to invest here. Long may that continue."
Renewed Tensions in the Feud
The longstanding conflict between Khan and Trump reignited on March 3, 2026, when Trump labeled Khan a "terrible mayor" during a public address. In response, Khan quipped that he is "living rent-free in Donald Trump's head," suggesting that London has become increasingly appealing to Americans since Trump's second term began. He further stated, "The fact that you've got record numbers of President Trump's citizens coming to live in my city shows who's more popular." Trump also criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of lacking the resolve of Winston Churchill over military cooperation issues.
History of the Khan-Trump Rivalry
The feud between Sadiq Khan and Donald Trump traces back to May 2016, shortly after Khan's first mayoral victory and Trump's Republican nomination. Key moments in their war of words include:
- Khan questioning Trump's "ignorant" proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US, prompting Trump to challenge him to an IQ test.
- Trump calling Khan a "stone cold loser" on social media during a 2019 state visit to London.
- Khan accusing Trump of using London as a "political football" ahead of a second state visit last summer, following Trump's comments on crime in the city.
- Most recently, Khan joking about claiming squatters' rights in Trump's mind due to the persistent attacks.
This ongoing rivalry underscores the political and personal tensions between the two figures, with Khan leveraging immigration trends to bolster his position in the public eye.
