Sir Keir Starmer was forced into an uncomfortable position defending London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan after Donald Trump launched a scathing attack during their joint press conference in Scotland, branding the capital’s leader “a nasty person” who has done “a terrible job.”
The awkward exchange unfolded as the Prime Minister met with the US President during Trump’s four-day working visit to Scotland, highlighting the enduring tensions between Trump and Britain’s first Muslim mayor that date back nearly a decade.
Starmer’s Swift Intervention
When asked about visiting London during his planned September state visit, Trump immediately launched into criticism: “I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job, the Mayor of London. He’s a nasty person.”
The Prime Minister quickly interjected: “He’s a friend of mine, actually,” in an apparent attempt to defuse the situation. However, Trump dismissed Starmer’s defence, continuing: “I think he’s done a terrible job. But I would certainly visit London.”
The uncomfortable moment was captured on video during the press conference at one of Trump’s Scottish golf properties, with reporters noting Starmer’s visible discomfort as he attempted to manage the diplomatic fallout.
Khan’s Measured Response
In a statement from City Hall, Khan’s office responded diplomatically: “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 London Mayor notably avoided directly addressing Trump’s personal attacks, maintaining the measured tone that has characterised his recent approach to the relationship.
Deep-Rooted Animosity
The confrontation represents the latest chapter in a bitter feud that began in 2015 when both men were campaigning for office. Khan, who is Muslim, initially criticised Trump’s campaign proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, calling his views on Islam “ignorant.” In response, Trump challenged Khan to an IQ test, declaring: “I will remember those statements. They are very nasty statements.”
The dispute escalated dramatically following the 2017 London terror attacks. After Khan told Londoners not to be alarmed by increased police presence following the violence, Trump tweeted: “At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed!’
Trump’s misinterpretation of Khan’s reassuring message to the public sparked a diplomatic row, with the London Mayor’s office responding that he had “more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump’s ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they saw more police.
State Visit Implications
Trump’s latest verbal assault comes as preparations intensify for his September state visit to the UK, which Starmer has described as “truly historic and unprecedented.” The visit will see Trump hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, marking only his second state visit to Britain.
The current trip to Scotland, which runs from 25-29 July, is being described by the White House as a “working visit” where Trump will “refine” the US-UK trade deal established in June. However, much of Trump’s time is being spent at his golf properties in Turnberry and Aberdeen.
Political Ramifications
The public spat places Starmer in a delicate position as he attempts to maintain Britain’s “special relationship” with the United States whilst defending a fellow Labour politician who has been targeted by Trump’s ire.
Khan has previously accused Trump of targeting him due to his “ethnicity” and Muslim faith, stating: “If I wasn’t this colour skin, if I wasn’t a practicing Muslim, he wouldn’t have come for me. He’s come for me because of, let’s be frank, my ethnicity and my religion.”
Political observers note the contrast between Starmer’s diplomatic approach and Khan’s more confrontational stance during Trump’s first presidency. During Trump’s 2018 UK visit, Khan permitted protesters to fly a giant inflatable “Trump baby” blimp over Parliament Square, leading Trump to describe him as a “stone-cold loser.”
Historical Context of Conflict
The Trump-Khan feud has produced some of the most personal attacks ever exchanged between a US President and a British municipal leader. In 2019, Trump tweeted that Khan was “a stone cold loser who should focus on crime in London, not me,” comparing him to New York Mayor Bill de Blasio as “very dumb and incompetent” and mocking his height.
Trump has consistently criticised Khan’s record on terrorism and crime, claiming during a 2018 visit: “I think he has done a bad job on crime, if you look, all of the horrible things going on there, with all of the crime that is being brought in.”
Diplomatic Balancing Act
The exchange highlights the challenges facing Starmer as he seeks to build a constructive relationship with Trump whilst maintaining domestic political relationships. Despite their political differences, Trump has previously expressed fondness for Starmer, telling reporters at the G7 summit: “The U.K. is very well protected. You know why? Because I like them. That’s their ultimate protection.”
However, Monday’s incident demonstrates how quickly diplomatic pleasantries can be overshadowed by Trump’s personal vendettas and willingness to publicly criticise allied leaders.
Security and Protest Preparations
Trump’s Scottish visit has required deployment of 5,000 police officers in what authorities describe as the biggest security operation since Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Several protest groups have organised demonstrations under the “Stop Trump Coalition” banner, with rallies planned across Scotland.
The September state visit is expected to be even more contentious, with Khan previously stating he would not rule out allowing protesters to fly another “Trump baby” balloon during future presidential visits to London.
Trade Deal Focus
Beyond the personal animosity, the Scotland meeting aims to refine the trade agreement that reduced US tariffs on British cars from 25% to 10%. The UK hopes to secure further reductions in steel and aluminium tariffs, which currently stand at 25% compared to 50% for other countries.
Trump downplayed expectations for major changes, describing the meeting as “more of a celebration than a workout” of issues, adding: “The deal is concluded.”
Looking Ahead
As Trump prepares for his September state visit, the public confrontation with Khan threatens to overshadow what the UK government hopes will be a successful diplomatic engagement. The incident serves as a reminder of Trump’s unpredictability and his willingness to prioritise personal grievances over diplomatic protocol.
For Khan, who recently told CNN there was “clearly a link” between Trump’s re-election and record numbers of Americans seeking British citizenship, the renewed hostility underscores the ongoing political challenges posed by the US President’s return to power.
The awkward Scottish summit exchange suggests that despite Starmer’s diplomatic efforts, the fundamental tensions between Trump and Khan remain unresolved, potentially complicating future UK-US relations and setting the stage for continued controversy during the upcoming state visit.
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