U.S. President Donald Trump said that he blocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan from attending the state banquet at Windsor Castle during his controversial visit to the United Kingdom.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said he didn’t want [Khan] there and criticized the mayor’s work. He said, I think the Mayor of London, Khan, is among the worst mayors in the world, and we have some bad ones. I think he’s done a terrible job. Crime in London is through the roof. I asked that he not be [at the banquet]. He wanted to be there, as I understand, I didn’t want him. I’ve not liked him for a long time.
In response, Sir Sadiq Khan defended himself and London. He pointed out that a “record number of Americans” are moving to London, suggesting that many people see the city as attractive and safe. A spokesperson for Khan said, Trump’s politics is about fear and division. He talks down our great capital city, but London is a global success story. It is open, dynamic, and safer than many major U.S. cities. Maybe that’s why so many Americans are choosing to make London their home.
According to Metro, Khan had no plans to attend the state banquet, and City Hall didn’t expect or ask to be invited. Although the mayor is a Privy Counsellor and has served as a government minister, mayors are not usually invited to state banquets in their role. However, Khan did attend a formal white-tie dinner at Mansion House in December 2024 for the Emir of Qatar’s visit to the UK.
The tension between Trump and Khan goes back several years. In 2015, Khan criticized Trump after he suggested banning Muslims from entering the United States. Trump later attacked Khan’s response to the 2017 London Bridge terrorist attack, tweeting, Atleast 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack, and Mayor of London says there is ‘no reason to be alarmed! In 2018, Khan allowed the famous Trump baby blimp to fly over London during protests against Trump’s visit. Khan explained, “I shouldn’t decide what is in good or bad taste as a politician. What’s important is that protests are peaceful and safe. Limiting people’s right to protest or speak freely just because it might offend a foreign leader is very dangerous.”
Trump made his latest comments after a minor issue occurred with Marine One, the helicopter carrying him and First Lady Melania, which had a hydraulic problem before landing at Stansted Airport. Boarding Air Force One afterward, Trump joked about the incident, saying, Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise, I wouldn’t care.
