London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has addressed criticism from Donald Trump, accusing the former U.S. president of being envious after Trump labeled him as ‘horrible’ and ‘disgusting’.
During a POLITICO interview concerning immigration in Europe, Trump expressed his views on several cities, including capitals like Paris and London. Speaking about the UK, he commented: “If you take a look at London, you have a mayor named Khan. He’s a horrible mayor. He’s an incompetent mayor, but he’s a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job. London’s a different place.”
Trump continued: “And… and I hate to see that happen. This is one of the great places in the world, and they’re allowing people just to come in and… unchecked, unvetted.”
In response to the release of new crime statistics on January 12, Sadiq Khan participated in an interview on BBC 4’s Today programme, where he discussed the backing he receives from Londoners and the UK government amidst ongoing exchanges with Trump.
The statistics revealed a decrease in homicides in London, with 97 recorded in 2025 compared to 153 in 2019.
Emma Barnett, the host of Today, remarked to Khan: “You have been described by President Trump as a horrible mayor, incompetent, vicious, disgusting, a disaster. You’ve called him a bully. I wonder, do you think you’ve been sufficiently defended by Downing Street and [UK prime minister] Sir Keir Starmer?”
Khan responded: “I sometimes feel like I’m nine years old again with this tit for tat stuff with President Trump. I’ve got the full support of not just the government but, more importantly, Londoners.”
When questioned about support from Starmer, Khan mentioned: “I’ve had the full support of the prime minister, the foreign secretary and from the government and from Londoners.
“What today shows is why we are the greatest city in the world and why President Trump is a bit jealous.”
Khan has previously been supported against Trump’s remarks. A No.10 spokesperson countered Trump’s comments, stating: “Those comments are wrong.”
They also commended Khan for effectively delivering free school meals in primary schools, enhancing London’s air quality, and constructing a significant number of council houses.
A spokesperson for Starmer remarked: “The prime minister is proud of the mayor of London’s record and proud to call him a colleague and friend.”