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| Trump and Starmer meet at Turnberry resort |
President Trump landed in Scotland today for talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer. He used his first public remarks to attack London’s mayor. He called the mayor “a nasty person” after saying the mayor had done a poor job . Starmer then stepped in to praise the mayor as “a friend of mine” .
Trump’s comment revived an old feud between him and Sadiq Khan. He accused Khan of poor leadership when asked if he would go to London. He said he would visit, but refused to meet Khan in the capital . This echoes past clashes from Trump’s 2019 UK visit, when he called Khan “stone cold loser” in tweets .
Khan’s office has not replied to today’s comment. In the past Khan has shrugged off Trump’s remarks. He has billed them as a distraction from local issues in London . Khan’s record includes tackling violence and housing shortages in the city.
Starmer met Trump at the Turnberry resort in southwest Scotland. He praised the golf course as “magnificent” but said UK bodies decide whether it hosts future tournaments . He then defended Khan, saying the mayor was a friend and an effective public servant .
President Trump blasts London's mayor as a "nasty person..." before the U.K. prime minister chimes in: "He's a friend of mine." pic.twitter.com/qE1Eh5nWS0
The tension comes ahead of a state visit planned for September. That trip will test UK’s handling of a U.S. leader with a polarising style. Inviting Trump to address parliament risks deep divisions among MPs . Holding his speech outside parliamentary hours is seen as a compromise.
Analysts say Trump’s barbs aim to galvanise his base ahead of the U.S. presidential race. His attacks on foreign leaders have been a fixture of his style since 2015 . By targeting a popular London mayor, he taps into global culture wars and draws press coverage.
Public reaction in London has been swift. Residents on the streets called his criticism “tired” and “uninformed.” A majority opinion poll shows 62 percent of Londoners view Khan’s job positively . Many see Trump’s remark as a personal shot rather than policy critique.
Experts note that U.S.–UK ties rest on shared interests in security, trade, and climate efforts. Personal jibes create media drama but rarely shift geopolitics . Both governments are keen to emphasise strong bilateral links despite public disagreements.
Khan’s tenure saw a focus on crime reduction and public transport. He launched a safety plan that cut certain violent crimes by 15 percent over two years . He also pushed for cleaner air zones and affordable housing projects across London.
Trump’s visit comes as the U.S. eyes renewed trade talks with the UK after Brexit. He has urged lower tariffs on Scotch whisky and agreed to discuss byproducts of UK agricultural policy . Starmer said he would back measures that boost jobs but protect local industries.
The prime minister’s warm words for Khan underline internal UK unity. Starmer described Khan as “a friend” who shares Labour values on fairness and safety . That tone contrasts sharply with Trump’s direct attack, and suggests ministers will present a united front.
As talks continue, officials will press Trump on Ukraine aid and climate pledges. London’s mayor supports a net‑zero push, while Trump has voiced scepticism on emissions targets . Those debates may prove more lasting than today’s spat.