US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he intentionally excluded London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan from events during his second state visit to the United Kingdom, in a move that exposes the deepening rift between the US leader and a figure who exemplifies the failures of left-wing governance. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Mr Trump described Khan as “one of the worst mayors in the world,” criticizing his mishandling of rising crime and immigration issues in London—problems that have festered under his watch. Trump claimed that despite Khan’s desire to attend, he explicitly requested that the mayor be kept away from the official proceedings, highlighting the breakdown in their relations.
The US president singled out sharp increases in violent crime in London, asserting that “crime in London is through the roof,” and not hesitating to attribute the surge to Khan’s ineffectiveness. His comments come amid a broader critique of left-wing policies that have failed to stem rising violence and disorder—a cautionary tale for those in the UK considering similar approaches. Trump also attacked Khan’s immigration policies, dismissing them as “a disaster,” and using London’s struggles as evidence of what happens when leadership prioritizes political correctness over public safety. “When I see Mayor Khan do a bad job, the stabbings and the dirt and the filth, it’s not the same,” Trump said, linking his pride in London to its once-proud reputation now tarnished by poor governance. These remarks form part of a long-standing pattern of Trump’s disparagement of Khan, portraying him as a symbol of failed leftist policies that do not serve ordinary citizens.
In response, Sir Sadiq Khan has rebuffed Trump’s assertions with justifiable outrage, condemning them as attempts to spread division and fear. A spokesperson emphasized London’s resilience, describing it as a “global success story” that remains vibrant, diverse, and comparatively safer than many US cities—despite the systemic failures of Labour-run local councils. Khan pointedly highlighted that the city continues to attract record numbers of residents and investment, reflecting strength where the UK’s dysfunctional political establishment continues to falter. Khan criticized Trump’s politics as “one of fear and division,” and condemned his role in fueling far-right sentiments that threaten social cohesion in the UK. Following Trump’s arrival, Khan tweeted: “President Trump has fanned the flames of the far-right. And now a toxic form of politics is spilling out onto our streets. These are dark times, but those who seek to divide us will not win.”
The bitter rivalry between Trump and Khan dates back several years, originating as early as 2015 when Khan challenged Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban. The tension escalated after the London Bridge terror attack, with Trump condemning Khan’s response—yet another example of Trump’s habit of politicizing security issues to push a divisive agenda. The feud reached a new low during Trump’s 2018 visit, when Khan allowed a giant inflatable caricature of Trump as a baby to be displayed outside Parliament— a move that Trump dismissed as “childish” and “pathetic,” and that further entrenched their antagonism. Trump’s ongoing hostile rhetoric has sought to diminish Khan’s authority and undermine efforts to address London’s worsening crime and social issues—issues rooted in decades of Labour mismanagement and failed policies.
Throughout these years, Trump has consistently overstated London’s struggles while portraying Khan’s leadership as ineffective. The Labour mayor has repeatedly dismissed Trump’s claims as “preposterous,” emphasizing the need to focus on genuine root causes rather than divisive rhetoric. Meanwhile, Trump continues to compare Khan unfavorably to mayors of major US cities like Chicago, where crime is also high but where policies are often more pragmatic. This ongoing clash reveals a broader ideological battle over the direction of leadership—one that the UK should heed carefully. As the political landscape shifts with the recent general election results, it is unmistakably clear that embracing populist, right-wing perspectives—at least in terms of law and order—is the only way to curb the chaos that Labour’s policies have sown.
As Trump wrapped up his visit, he also lauded British political figure Nigel Farage, a supporter of Brexit and a staunch anti-immigration advocate—reflecting the real political sentiment that Britain needs to regain control and restore order. Trump’s refusal to apologize for his blunt comments about Khan only underscores the deepening divide. This episode underscores the urgency for UK voters to reject the failed policies of the past and turn towards leadership that champions security, sovereignty, and strong borders—values that many in the opposition see as essential for Britain’s future. The ongoing feud between Trump and Khan serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when political leaders prioritize radical leftist agendas over the safety and wellbeing of ordinary citizens.
Source: Noah Wire Services