In a recent opinion article for The Guardian, London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized President Trump for promoting “divisive and far-right politics” globally in recent years.
Khan emphasized the need to confront “reactionary populists and Nazivists” who take advantage of economic anxieties, contributing to the fragmentation of modern society and a growing distrust in political and media institutions.
“President Donald Trump and his associates have likely done the most to stoke the fires of divisive, far-right politics worldwide,” Khan remarked. He recalled how, during Trump’s first state visit to the UK, he pointed out the president’s use of xenophobia, racism, and other divisive strategies in his campaigns.
On Tuesday evening, Trump arrived in the UK for a state visit where he is set to meet King Charles III and members of the royal family at Windsor Castle, located around 25 miles outside London. While in the UK, he is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss issues including tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza.
Khan urged leaders in his country to maintain open and honest dialogues. “Sometimes, this requires being a critical friend, speaking truthfully to power, and making it known that we reject fear and division in politics,” he noted.
Previously, Trump criticized Khan on social media, labeling him a “stone cold loser” in 2019 for his performance as mayor.
“@SadiqKhan has done a terrible job as mayor of London on all fronts, but it was particularly unwise for him to be ‘nasty’ to the visiting president of the US, Britain’s most important ally,” Trump tweeted back then.
Last year, Khan commented that world leaders were keeping a close watch on the upcoming US presidential election between Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting the broader implications of the results. “What I want to emphasize to Americans is that we are invested in this, and we should be aware that people around the world are paying attention,” Khan stated in an interview with Politico.
The White House was contacted for a response.
