Despite some fierce critiques in the past, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed his openness to a meeting with President Donald Trump. Khan has previously warned that Trump’s rhetoric could unintentionally encourage radicalization, referring to him as “not a force for good” during previous comments.
In response to Trump labeling him as a “nasty person” and claiming that he has “done a terrible job” during a recent trip to Scotland, Khan shrugged it off, saying those comments don’t bother him. For him, it was like “water off a duck’s back.”
While attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he compared how he feels about Trump to being “nine years old again,” reflecting on a rather juvenile playground dynamic.
During a chat with comedian Matt Forde on the Political Party show, Khan took aim at Trump’s views, saying, “Someone with his attitudes towards black people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, Muslims, and Mexicans finding me nasty is quite something.”
He added, “Yeah, he’s supposed to be leading the free world, and let’s just think about that for a moment.”
Khan has highlighted a noteworthy trend where more Americans are eyeing British citizenship and relocating to London, stating this inceased interest has surfaced since the start of Trump’s second term earlier this year. The Mayor quipped, “Guess Americans have pretty good taste overall!”
He also mentioned that he hopes Trump will take the chance to see the diversity of London on his upcoming state visit next month, arguing passionately that the city’s varied makeup is a source of strength rather than a weakness. Khan believes this enhances rather than dilutes cultural richness in London.
Expressing concern over Trump’s remarks, Khan stated, “When the President speaks like that, it shifts extreme views into the main narrative, which can be concerning.”
He cautioned that Trump could be unintentionally radicalizing people by normalizing dangerous opinions.
Khan raised alarms that under Trump’s influence, minorities may experience less favorable treatment, calling out the president for using London’s diversity as a political tool in a culture clash.
While facing personal critiques, Khan maintained his composure, noting, “Personally, I’m unbothered, it’s all trivial, but the significant challenges our society faces can’t be ignored, and in my opinion, Trump isn’t helping.”
Nevertheless, he reasserted his desire to engage with Trump, aiming to illustrate that it is feasible to be both proud of one’s Western identity and Muslim heritage. Khan emphasized that someone can be British and of Pakistani descent while also being a law-abiding citizen, not the mythological monster Trump might envision.
“I suspect Trump’s views on Muslims are tainted by a small group’s criminal acts who misuse our religion… Most Muslims around the world are doing good, and if I had a chance to meet him, I’d gladly take it,” he concluded.
