US President Donald Trump called Manchester a 'town' during a White House press conference, sparking a fierce rebuttal from Manchester Evening News lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne. In an opinion piece, Bourne argues that Manchester is a global city, second only to London in the UK, and a hub of innovation, culture, and sport.
What Trump Said
When asked about former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a potential successor to Keir Starmer, Trump responded: 'I don't know anything. I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a... town?' The comment came on July 24, 2026, in the Oval Office.
Bourne writes: 'A town? A TOWN Mr President? I mean Manchester is one of the UK's biggest cities, second in size only to London, so no, it's not just "a.... town". This is a thriving metropolis, whose people have shaped the world in so many meaningful ways.'
Manchester's Global Achievements
Bourne lists Manchester's contributions: the Industrial Revolution, the Suffragette Movement, and the invention of the first computer chip. She notes that the BBC is broadcasting the World Cup from MediaCity in Salford, Greater Manchester, and that Oasis's 'Wonderwall' is the unofficial anthem of the England team. Oasis, Joy Division, and New Order—all from Manchester—will be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles in November 2026.
'The sounds carved out from our streets continue to echo around the world,' Bourne writes. Take That's recent Etihad Stadium show set an Amazon Music record for most-watched livestream.
Cultural and Sporting Powerhouse
Manchester boasts Europe's two biggest arenas: Co-op Live and AO Arena. The city has hosted the MOBOs, the BRIT Awards (for the first time outside London), and a Chanel fashion show in the Northern Quarter. Two of the world's biggest football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United, both qualified for the Champions League in 2026, with City winning the FA Cup and League Cup double.
Bourne also highlights successful entrepreneurs like Paige Louise Williams (P.Louise beauty), George and Michael Heaton (global t-shirt business), and Hyrum Cook (Adanola fitness brand). Restaurants Skof and Mana have earned Michelin Guide spots.
A City of Grafters
'We're a city of entrepreneurs, of grafters, of people who, a bit like in the Big Apple, know if they can make it here, they can make it anywhere,' Bourne writes. She concludes: 'Most of all, Mr Trump, we're a friendly bunch up north, and we don't look back in anger. Qualities that I'd say make us not just one of the greatest cities in the UK, but one of the best in the world, Mr President.'
