US President Donald Trump reignited his feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a press conference in Scotland, calling him a “nasty person” and accusing him of doing a “terrible job.” The remarks were made with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer standing beside him, who promptly defended Khan, saying, “He’s a friend of mine, actually.”

Trump was responding to a reporter’s question about a possible visit to London during his state trip in September. While confirming his intention to travel, the US president doubled down on his criticism: “I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job, the Mayor of London… a nasty person.”

Trump will see London’s strength in diversity: Khan responds

In response to the jibe, Sadiq Khan’s spokesperson said the Mayor was “delighted” that the US President wants to visit London, adding that Trump would witness how “our diversity makes us stronger, not weaker; richer, not poorer.” 

According to foreign media, the spokesperson also took a subtle jab at Trump’s policies, stating: “Perhaps these are the reasons why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his presidency.”

The long-standing feud between Trump and Khan began during the former’s first term in the White House. Trump had previously branded Khan a “stone cold loser” and a “very dumb” official, accusing him of failing on crime and terrorism. Khan, in turn, has criticised Trump’s policies, describing him as a “poster boy for racists.”

A tense history, but diplomacy remains

Despite the tensions, Khan has acknowledged Trump’s position as the elected leader of the US. “We should recognise the fact that Donald Trump is the elected president of the United States,” Khan had said earlier, urging hope that “this president is different from the last time he was president.” The renewed exchange comes at a time when the UK is seeking to deepen transatlantic ties with the US under the new Labour government.