During his state visit to the UK, Donald Trump targeted London Mayor Sadiq Khan with controversial remarks, highlighting tensions between US and UK political narratives and raising concerns over divisive rhetoric affecting city harmony.
US President Donald Trump’s recent state visit to the UK once again illuminated his penchant for stirring controversy and spreading divisive rhetoric. His unprovoked attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, branding him “among the worst mayors in the world” and unfavourably comparing him to the mayor of Chicago, epitomizes a dangerous tendency to undermine local leadership through inflammatory commentary. Such remarks are not only disrespectful but also reflect a broader attitude of disregard for the complexities of urban governance in major cities like London.
Trump’s blatant exclusion of Khan from the event lineup, notably skipping the state banquet, signals his disdain for London’s leader—an affront to democratic norms and a typical display of his confrontational approach. He condemned Khan’s handling of immigration and crime, directly attributing surges in these areas to perceived failures in leadership. These criticisms, rooted in simplistic narratives of social chaos, dismiss the resilience and ongoing progress of London’s diverse communities—a slap in the face to the hardworking residents and officials striving to maintain safety and opportunity.
His ongoing barrage, including calling Khan a “stone cold loser” and criticising London’s social challenges, underscores his tendency to leverage fear and division for political gain. Yet, defenders within the city contest Trump’s portrayal, emphasizing that London remains a vibrant, forward-looking metropolis—more open, more dynamic, and arguably safer than many US cities, despite persistent social and economic issues. Such rebuttals highlight the stark difference between Trump’s alarmist rhetoric and the reality experienced by London’s residents.
This spat is a microcosm of the wider clash between Trump’s confrontational style and the pragmatic efforts of London’s leadership to address social integration and public safety. Khan’s attempts to promote inclusion and growth stand in stark contrast to the narrative of decline pushed by figures like Trump. Rather than uniting, the political optics serve to polarize, sow discord, and undermine efforts to foster cohesion across London’s diverse communities.
Ultimately, Trump’s attack reflects a broader hostility toward the kind of progressive local governance that seeks to balance social cohesion with security—an approach that many, including reform-minded groups, believe is crucial for the future of Britain’s capital. Instead of celebrating London’s multicultural success, Trump chooses to stoke division, revealing his disregard for the authentic challenges faced by cities committed to fairness and safety. It’s a stark reminder that his brand of politics remains rooted in division, not in the real solutions Britain needs.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 22 September 2025. It references events from Trump’s state visit to the UK, which occurred in September 2025. The content appears original, with no evidence of being recycled or republished from low-quality sites. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and quotes, justifying a higher freshness score. No similar content appeared more than 7 days earlier.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from President Trump and Mayor Khan are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. The wording of the quotes matches the original statements made by both individuals.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, The Standard, a well-known UK news outlet. This adds credibility to the report. The individuals mentioned, President Trump and Mayor Khan, are public figures with verifiable records.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known events from Trump’s state visit to the UK in September 2025. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical political reporting in the UK. There is no excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim. The tone is formal and appropriate for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and sourced from a reputable organisation. The quotes are unique and match the original statements made by the individuals involved. The claims are plausible, supported by specific factual anchors, and the language and tone are appropriate for the subject matter. No credibility risks were identified.

