London Mayor Sadiq Khan has branded former President Trump as a racist, sexist, and homophobe, urging his own Labour Party to “call him out.” Khan criticized the idea of strengthening relationships with Republicans ahead of the U.S. presidential election, particularly when it comes to Trump. He rejected the recent olive branch extended by foreign affairs chief David Lammy, insisting that it is crucial to address Trump’s problematic views and treat them as unacceptable.
Despite being re-elected to a third term as mayor of London, Khan expressed concerns about a potential Trump presidency, stating that he has spoken to American governors and mayors who share those worries. However, he emphasized the need to maintain good relations with both Democrats and Republicans, highlighting his opposition to rolling out the red carpet for a state visit by Trump. Khan and Trump have a history of public feuding, with the former president previously calling Khan a “stone cold loser” and “very dumb.”
The Labour Party in the U.K. is expected to return to power after 14 years in an upcoming general election, making the issue of how to navigate relationships with American political figures even more important. David Lammy, another prominent Labour Party member, traveled to Washington, D.C., where he met with Democrats as well as Trump allies like Senators JD Vance and Lindsey Graham. Lammy acknowledged that Trump’s words in office were shocking, but pointed out that U.S. spending on European defense increased during his tenure, as did the defense spending of the wider alliance, thanks in part to Trump’s pressure on European nations to increase their own defense budgets.
While Khan’s criticisms of Trump are rooted in their ideological differences and past public disputes, the Labour Party’s approach to engaging with American political figures highlights the complexity of balancing friendships, diplomacy, and ideological stances. Khan’s insistence on holding Trump accountable for his controversial views demonstrates a commitment to challenging problematic behavior, even within international relationships. As the U.K. prepares for a potential change in government and the global political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamics between British and American political figures will be closely watched for their impact on diplomatic relations and policy decisions.
