By: Engineer Bakht Said Yousafzai
U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on 23 September, igniting a storm of criticism across the UK.
Trump described Khan as a “terrible, terrible mayor” and falsely claimed that parts of London were moving toward “Sharia law.” He further alleged that the UN was undermining Western countries’ borders, a statement widely criticized by experts as misleading.
The President’s comments immediately drew strong reactions from political leaders and commentators in Britain. Many described the attack as divisive and inflammatory.
Khan responded swiftly, branding the remarks “racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic.” He called the allegations about Sharia law “completely untrue” and warned that such rhetoric could inflame social tensions.
“London is one of the most diverse and successful cities in the world,” Khan said. “Millions of visitors, including Americans, come to our city every year. The suggestion that I am trying to impose Sharia law is nonsense.”
Labour MPs were among the first to condemn Trump’s comments, calling them “divisive propaganda” and “bare-faced lies.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended Khan, stating, “There is no question of Sharia law being imposed in London. These claims are false and designed to stoke division.”
Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, criticized the remarks as “blatant untruths” and emphasized the danger of spreading misinformation about London’s governance.
Rosena Allin-Khan called for ministers to take a firm stand against what she described as “Islamophobic rhetoric from across the Atlantic.”
The controversy has also placed UK Labour leader Keir Starmer under pressure. Several Labour MPs are reportedly demanding that Starmer reprimand the Trump administration for spreading false claims about London and its mayor. Critics argue that failing to respond could undermine London’s reputation and embolden further misinformation.
Public reaction has also been intense. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of solidarity for Khan and condemnation of Trump’s statements.
Community leaders warned that such rhetoric risks fueling fear and prejudice against Muslim communities in London and the wider UK.
Analysts note that Trump’s attack appears to be political theatre aimed at generating headlines rather than presenting facts.
Legal experts have stressed that Sharia councils in the UK are advisory only and have no legal authority. The country’s legal system remains entirely secular.
Despite this, the comments have reignited debates about immigration, multiculturalism, and governance in global cities like London.
Some experts warn that Trump’s comments, if left unchecked, could strain transatlantic relations, especially as UK leaders navigate the diplomatic fallout.
For Khan, the controversy represents both a challenge and an opportunity. While critics may seize on Trump’s rhetoric, it has also rallied support from politicians, media figures, and the public.
This episode underscores the power of global political rhetoric to influence domestic debates, particularly in diverse, multicultural cities such as London.
As the situation develops, the responses of Trump, UK leaders, and Keir Starmer in particular will be closely watched, potentially shaping international perceptions of London’s leadership.
Ultimately, the clash between Trump and Khan highlights broader questions about diversity, migration, and the responsibility of world leaders to communicate truthfully on the global stage.
