Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “terrible Mayor” and describing London as “a very different place” with “some terrible people”. In an interview with The Sun, the US President also criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for refusing to join US strikes against Iran, suggesting he was pandering to Muslim voters.
Trump said Britain “is not such a recognisable country” anymore and singled out the capital for particular criticism. A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq responded by saying the Mayor “is clearly still living rent free in Donald’s Trump’s head” and that Trump is “obsessed with him”.
The President also questioned the UK’s value as an ally, saying Sir Keir “should have helped” with strikes on Iran. When asked about accusations that the Prime Minister was pandering to Muslim voters after a recent by-election loss, Trump replied: “It could be.” He advised Sir Keir to “open up the North Sea” and “stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you”.
The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated, with US airstrikes on Iran and Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. The UK has allowed the US to use its bases for defensive operations but not for offensive strikes. Trump suggested further “big” airstrikes on Iran are yet to come.
