Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, found himself in a difficult spot when responding to Donald Trump’s remarks about London’s Mayor. The president referred to the Mayor as a ‘nasty person’.
Trump is currently visiting Scotland and is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Starmer to cover various topics, such as tariffs, the Gaza crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During their meeting, Trump expressed his appreciation for Starmer, although he also shared his admiration for Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party.
He remarked: “I happen to like both men. I like this man (Sir Keir) a lot, and I like Nigel.
“And, you know, I don’t know the politics over here. I don’t know where they stand. I would say one is slightly liberal – not that liberal, slightly – and the other one is slightly conservative, but they’re they’re both good men.”
However, he didn’t extend the same sentiment to London’s Labour Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, in office since 2016.
Trump even labeled Khan as a ‘nasty person’.
Sharing his honest opinion, he stated: “I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job, the mayor of London… a nasty person.”
This comment placed Starmer in an uneasy situation as he revealed that he did not share Trump’s view, emphasizing his friendship with the mayor.
Starmer chuckled awkwardly, reaching out to Trump to interject, saying: “He’s a friend of mine, actually.”
Nonetheless, Trump’s opinion remained unchanged as he added, “I think he’s done a terrible job. But I would certainly visit London.”
This UK visit by Trump will not involve a speech to Parliament. Starmer described the visit as an ‘unprecedented and very special state visit’ with unique features not seen before.
Farage has criticized the decision not to have Trump address Parliament. In response, Trump commented: “Well, I like Nigel. I mean, Nigel is a friend of mine. Nigel has done very well. He’s a friend of mine, and Keir is a friend of mine.”
He added: “As far as Parliament, if he wants me to speak in Parliament, I’ll do it. But it doesn’t have to be then, it could be some other time. Maybe we should save it for another time.”
Regarding Trump’s remarks about Khan, a spokesperson for the mayor responded: “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.”