UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced an awkward moment during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland when Trump made a blunt comment about London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “n@sty person.”
Trump was in the UK to meet with Starmer and discuss major international matters, including trade tariffs, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the crisis in Gaza.
While Trump praised Starmer, calling him someone he liked, he also made it clear that he was equally fond of Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party.
“I like both men,” Trump said. “Keir seems like a great guy, and so does Nigel. I don’t really follow your politics, but one seems a little liberal and the other a little conservative. Still, they’re both good men.”
However, Trump was far less generous when speaking about Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London since 2016 and a member of the Labour Party.
Without hesitation, Trump said, “I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job… a n@sty person.”
This put Starmer in an uncomfortable position, especially as he considers Khan a friend.
Trying to smooth things over, Starmer laughed a bit awkwardly, reached out to Trump, and responded, “He’s a friend of mine, actually.” T
rump, however, didn’t budge. “I still think he’s done a terrible job,” he added. “But I’d certainly visit London.”
Trump’s trip to the UK is being described by Starmer as a “very special and unprecedented” state visit, including several unique elements not seen in previous visits.
Unlike past presidential visits, this one will not include an address to Parliament. Farage criticized that decision, but Trump was not concerned.
“If Keir wants me to speak in Parliament, I’ll do it. Doesn’t have to be now—it could happen another time,” he said.
Throughout the visit, Trump emphasized his personal connections. “Nigel is a friend of mine. Keir is a friend of mine,” he repeated.
In response to Trump’s harsh words, a spokesperson for Sadiq Khan issued a statement welcoming Trump to London, calling it “the greatest city in the world.”
The statement highlighted London’s diversity as one of its biggest strengths, saying it makes the city “stronger, not weaker; richer, not poorer.”
The spokesperson also pointed out that, during Trump’s presidency, a record number of Americans had applied for British citizenship—perhaps a reflection of London’s appeal in contrast to Trump’s leadership.
Though the meeting between Trump and Starmer focused on serious global issues, Trump’s offhand comments about Khan stole the spotlight and served as a reminder of the diplomatic tightrope world leaders often have to walk when hosting the outspoken U.S. president.
