Trump and Khan,Feud Rekindled as U.S. President Calls London Mayor a “Nasty Person”
Feud Flares at Scottish Press Conference Just Weeks Before Trump’s State Visit to the UK
The long-running feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and London Mayor Sadiq Khan reignited this week when Trump, during a press conference in Scotland on July 28, called Khan a “nasty person” and accused him of doing a “terrible job” as mayor. The incident occurred with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump’s side, just ahead of the president’s scheduled state visit to the UK in September. Khan’s office publicly responded with a message of pride in London’s diversity and resilience, turning Trump’s criticism into an opportunity to highlight his own city’s strengths.
Years of Insults and Political Tension
The latest remarks mark only the most recent episode in a feud that has spanned a decade and both leaders’ careers. Trump and Khan first clashed in 2015 when the then-presidential candidate proposed a ban on Muslims entering the U.S., a decision Khan denounced as “outrageous.” Their exchanges have persisted as both became elected leaders, with Khan calling out Trump’s policies as Islamophobic, and Trump escalating his rhetoric, branding Khan a “stone cold loser” and “very dumb” during previous state visits.
The feud has often erupted in the wake of terror attacks and political milestones. After the 2017 London Bridge terrorist attack, Trump misquoted Khan’s reassurance to Londoners, sparking an acrimonious exchange that would shape future interactions.
“Nasty Person” Comment Draws Global Attention
Asked at his Turnberry resort in Scotland whether he would stop in London during his state visit, Trump didn’t hesitate. “I will, I’m not a fan of your mayor, I think he’s done a terrible job… a nasty person, I think,” Trump declared. Prime Minister Starmer interjected in defense of Khan, calling him “a friend of mine,” but Trump doubled down on his criticism before confirming he would visit London regardless.
Khan’s spokesperson swiftly responded: “Sadiq is 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. Perhaps these are the reasons why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his presidency”. The mayor’s office noted London’s appeal and emphasized its tolerance and openness as reasons for global admiration, including among Americans in the Trump era.
“I will, I’m not a fan of your mayor, I think he’s done a terrible job… a nasty person, I think.”
— President Donald Trump, at Turnberry, Scotland“He’s a friend of mine, actually.”
— Prime Minister Keir Starmer, defending Khan
Personal and Political Dimensions
Khan has repeatedly suggested the feud has a personal dimension linked to issues of ethnicity and faith. In prior interviews, he said, “If I weren’t this colour skin, if I weren’t a practising Muslim, he wouldn’t have come for me,” alluding to Trump’s history of targeting minority leaders. Khan is the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital, and his election in 2016 became a flashpoint in Trump’s rhetoric about Islam and immigration.
According to The Atlantic, Trump initially said Khan’s election as mayor was a “very good thing,” but their mutual contempt quickly became public, starting when Khan criticized Trump’s contemplated travel ban. Trump responded by challenging Khan to an “IQ test” and warned, “I will remember those statements. They are very nasty statements”.
Major Feud Milestones
The two leaders’ war of words has previously overshadowed official visits. In 2018, Khan’s office approved the infamous “Trump baby blimp” during mass demonstrations against Trump’s visit to London. During the 2019 UK general election, Trump weighed in with support for Boris Johnson, which Khan called “racist” interference. Trump, in turn, called Khan “a stone-cold loser” and “very dumb,” while Khan labeled Trump “a poster boy for racists”.
“Sadiq is 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.”
— Spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan
Political Backdrop and Public Response
The feud takes place amid sensitive U.S.-UK political dynamics. Prime Minister Starmer has attempted to maintain diplomatic relations with Trump, despite their sharp policy differences. Starmer’s intervention at the Scottish press conference is widely seen as an effort to prevent escalating tensions with an American president famously quick to respond to direct criticism.
Khan, meanwhile, has won three consecutive mayoral elections, including his latest in 2024, cementing his place as a popular figure in British politics despite—some would say in part because of—Trump’s attacks. Data from Khan’s office points to an uptick in Americans seeking British citizenship in recent years, a point his spokesperson referenced as part of his broader message about London’s ethos and global stature.
Diversity, Democracy, and Global Trends
At the heart of this feud lies more than personal animosity—it showcases deeper debates over diversity, migration, democracy, and the role of populism on the world stage. Khan’s rise as a Muslim mayor in a multicultural metropolis symbolizes for many a rejection of nationalism and xenophobia, while Trump’s criticism continues to resonate with his base, reflecting anxieties around immigration and national identity.
University of London political scientist Dr. Resham Alden observed: “It’s not simply about two outsized personalities. The Trump-Khan feud underscores the divergent trajectories of Anglophone democracy—one embracing openness, the other doubling down on tribalism and ‘strongman’ politics.”
Recent Developments and Looking Ahead
Both Trump and Khan appear undeterred by the revived animosity. With Trump set to visit London in September, speculation is rife about further public clashes or protests reminiscent of previous visits. Khan has stated he “wants to work closely with the American president” in a professional capacity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing electoral outcomes despite their differences.
The feud’s most recent exchange has further polarized opinion among both Trump and Khan’s supporters and critics, but it also reflects a shared savviness: both men leverage the controversy to reinforce their public personas and rally their political bases.
A Rivalry That Transcends Borders
The enduring feud between President Donald Trump and Mayor Sadiq Khan remains emblematic of broader cultural and political divisions in contemporary Western democracies. As Trump prepares for a high-profile UK visit, and Khan continues to champion London’s diversity, the world will be watching to see whether this latest exchange deepens the discord or offers a path to civility.
Regardless, it is clear this rivalry has become more than personal—it is a barometer for the political and social currents defining an era