London Mayor Sadiq Khan has dismissed recent false and inflammatory claims by former US President Donald Trump regarding Sharia law in the UK capital, responding with humor and pointed criticism.
Trump, speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, accused Khan of attempting to impose Sharia law in London and called him a “terrible mayor.” The remarks have been widely criticized as baseless and inflammatory.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for Khan said they would not dignify Trump’s “appalling and bigoted” comments with a direct response. However, speaking to The Metro at the launch of London’s new electric bus route, Bakerloop (BL1), connecting Waterloo and Lewisham, Khan addressed the controversy lightly.
“People will be wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multicultural, successful, diverse city,” Khan said. “It seems to me that I’m living rent-free inside Donald Trump’s head.”
When asked why Trump appeared so fixated on him, the mayor joked, “I think he’s got a crush on me. It’s either that or he believes in giving me squatters’ rights inside his head.”
Khan also spoke to Sky News, condemning Trump’s remarks as evidence of racism, sexism, misogyny, and Islamophobia.
UK political figures have voiced support for the mayor. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told BBC Breakfast that Trump’s comments stem from a personal “beef” with Khan, not any reflection on London itself. McFadden added, “This is a big asset to the United Kingdom. It’s known all over the world; it’s a big engine of our economy, of creativity.”
Speaking from Crystal Palace’s stadium in south London on GB News, McFadden reaffirmed, “We have British law here at Selhurst Park this morning, no other kind of law, and that’s what applies in our capital city and throughout our country.”
