The long-running feud between London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and former US President Donald Trump has escalated once again, with Khan accusing Trump of being “obsessed” with him. In an interview with the Big Issue magazine, Khan stated that London is the “antithesis” of everything Trump stands for, making it a target for the US leader’s criticism.
Khan’s Response to Trump’s Attacks
“It’s absurd that President Trump is obsessed with me,” Khan said. “It’s like I’m living rent-free inside this guy’s head for 10 years now.” He described Trump as a “nativist,” “protectionist,” and “unilateralist” who believes in “mono-ethnicism” and the superiority of his religion and nationality. In contrast, Khan highlighted London as a “progressive, liberal, diverse, multicultural” city, which he called the “greatest city in the world.”
Khan suggested that Trump’s criticism stems from the fact that Londoners elected a Muslim mayor of Pakistani origin. “I can understand why he wants to spread disinformation about this dystopian version of London,” Khan added, warning that Trump’s rhetoric is dangerous and has brought fringe views into the mainstream.
A Decade of Tensions
The strained relationship between Khan and Trump dates back over a decade. Their first clash occurred in 2015 when Khan condemned Trump’s proposed travel ban on Muslims as “outrageous.” Trump responded by saying he would “remember those statements” after Khan was elected mayor in 2016. The feud intensified after Trump entered the White House, with heated exchanges over the 2017 London terror attacks and accusations that Khan failed to address crime and security in the capital.
Khan later called Trump a “racist” in 2019, while Trump repeatedly labeled Khan a “stone cold loser” and criticized his leadership during official visits to the UK. The animosity continued through Trump’s return to office, with Khan warning about the implications of another Trump presidency in 2023 and 2024, while also expressing a willingness to cooperate after his re-election.
Recent Escalations
In 2025 and 2026, Trump intensified his criticism during high-profile visits and interviews, describing London as “very different” and repeating claims about Khan’s leadership. Khan has consistently defended London’s diversity and rejected what he calls divisive rhetoric. Both leaders continue to exchange barbs in public statements, with no resolution in sight.
Khan’s latest comments reaffirm his stance that London’s progressive values stand in stark contrast to Trump’s political ideology, making the city a natural target for the former president’s attacks.
