London Mayor Sadiq Khan Clashes with Donald Trump Over UN Speech
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a sharp response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in which Trump falsely claimed that “Sharia law” is being introduced in London. Khan, the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital, described Trump as “racist, sexist, misogynist, and Islamophobic.”
Trump’s Remarks at the UN
During his address at the UN in New York on Tuesday, Trump labeled Khan a “terrible mayor” and repeated discredited claims that London was embracing Sharia law. The statement, widely reported by CNN and other outlets, reignited a long-running feud between the two politicians that has played out publicly over the years.
Trump’s remarks drew immediate criticism in the UK, where leaders condemned them as inaccurate and divisive. The suggestion that London, one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural cities, would replace democratic institutions with religious law was dismissed as baseless.
Khan’s Response
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Khan pushed back forcefully:
“People are asking themselves: what is it about this Muslim mayor, running a liberal, multicultural, progressive, and successful city, that means I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trump’s head?”
He continued:
“As Donald Trump has demonstrated, he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynist, and he is Islamophobic.”
Khan has previously clashed with Trump over immigration, terrorism, and London’s crime statistics, but his latest remarks mark one of the strongest denunciations yet.
London City Hall Statement
London City Hall also weighed in, releasing a statement contrasting the British capital with American cities:
“London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major U.S. cities, and we are delighted to welcome the record number of American citizens choosing to move here.”
The rebuttal underscores London’s pride in its safety record and its growing appeal to expatriates, including from the United States.
The Context of Sharia in the UK
Trump’s comments also prompted renewed discussion about the actual role of Sharia in Britain. According to a 2019 UK government report, Sharia councils have existed since the 1980s but function in limited scope, primarily offering advice and mediation for Muslim families on issues such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. They do not override British law, nor do they hold the power of formal courts.
Sharia itself refers to a broad set of Islamic moral and religious principles derived from the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad, covering areas such as prayer, dietary practices, and family law. While some Muslims voluntarily seek guidance from Sharia councils, participation is not compulsory, and their decisions hold no legal authority under UK law.
Broader Implications
The clash between Khan and Trump highlights deeper tensions over identity, religion, and populist rhetoric. For Khan, Trump’s repeated targeting of him reflects a broader hostility toward multiculturalism and Muslim identity in politics. For Trump’s supporters, such attacks play into narratives about immigration and cultural change in Western societies.
Political analysts suggest that the dispute is emblematic of the polarized discourse in both the U.S. and the UK, where leaders often use provocative statements to rally their bases. While Trump no longer holds office, his comments continue to generate international headlines and controversy.
For Londoners, however, Khan’s response may reinforce the city’s image as an inclusive, globally connected metropolis that rejects divisive rhetoric.
