At the United Nations General Assembly, former US President Donald Trump launched a fresh salvo in his long-standing feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. In his first UN speech since 2020, Trump labelled Khan as a "terrible, terrible mayor" and made the contentious claim that London, under Khan’s leadership, is "so changed" that it now "wants to go to sharia law." These statements formed part of a broader critique in which Trump also attacked Europe’s immigration policies, asserting that the continent has been "invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobody's ever seen before."

Trump’s assertions about London’s direction drew swift rebuke from Khan’s office. A spokesperson dismissed the remarks as "appalling and bigoted," underpinning their defence by pointing to London’s status as one of the safest and most dynamic global cities. They emphasised that the city continues to attract a record number of US citizens, portraying London as a welcoming, multicultural hub rather than a city in decline or division. This stark contrast in perspectives highlights the ongoing contentious relationship between the former president and the London mayor, rooted in sharply different views on governance and societal change.

The broader political context adds nuance to the confrontation. Trump's address reflected his enduring focus on immigration and cultural issues, themes that resonate with segments of his political base but provoke strong criticism from others internationally. London's demographic and cultural evolution has been a topic of intense debate within UK political discourse, with some critics echoing Trump’s concerns about societal transformation, while defenders uphold London’s pluralism as a strength.

Public reactions to Trump’s remarks have been mixed. While political figures allied against Khan have used the statements to underscore perceived failures in London’s governance, others have condemned the rhetoric as inflammatory. For instance, media commentator Bev Turner described London's condition as "diabolical" in reference to Trump’s polarising comments, reflecting how these statements have been leveraged to fuel broader debates about the capital's future.

Overall, Trump’s latest attack at the UN reaffirms his combative style and his willingness to use international platforms to amplify domestic disagreements. Meanwhile, London’s political leadership continues to reject such portrayals, asserting their commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and safe city. The exchange underscores not only the enduring personal animosity between Trump and Khan but also the wider ideological battles over immigration, multiculturalism, and urban identity playing out on the global stage.

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Source: Noah Wire Services