Donald Trump Visits UK, Has Awkward Moment with Keir Starmer After Criticizing London Mayor

During his brief visit to the United Kingdom, Donald Trump discussed a number of significant issues with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, Trump made disparaging remarks about London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan during a joint news conference—without realizing that Starmer is friends with Khan—which resulted in an unpleasant exchange.

During their meeting in Scotland, Trump and Starmer talked about topics like trade tariffs, the Gaza crisis, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. There, Trump also spent some time playing golf on one of his courses.

Starmer had been to the White House a few months ago. He presented Trump with a formal invitation for a State Visit to the UK in September, as well as a handwritten letter from King Charles during that visit. There had already been some difficult moments during the last meeting between the two presidents.

At a press conference in Edinburgh on Monday, the situation deteriorated once further. As Trump was responding to queries from reporters, he abruptly attacked London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Trump responded, “I will, I’m not a fan of your mayor, I think he’s done a terrible job,” and “I think he’s a nasty person,” when asked if he had any plans to travel to London in September.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was seated next to him, immediately defended Khan by stating, “He’s a friend of mine.” He obviously disagreed with Trump’s viewpoint.

Trump Attacks Khan While Sitting Next to the Mayor’s Friend Starmer

Despite Starmer’s remark, Trump remained firm. “I think he’s done a terrible job,” he added, “but I will definitely visit London, I hope so.”

Sadiq Khan and Donald Trump have already argued in public. They’ve also had heated verbal exchanges in the past. Khan’s spokeswoman issued the following statement shortly after the press conference:

“President Trump’s desire to visit the world’s greatest metropolis makes Sadiq very happy. He would recognize how our differences make us richer rather than poorer and stronger rather than weaker.

“Perhaps these are the reasons why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his presidency,” the statement further said.

Trump commended the close ties between the United States and the United Kingdom despite his criticism of Khan.

“The prime minister has been so strong and supportive of us, and I respect him much more today than I did before, because I just met his wife and family,” Trump remarked in reference to Prime Minister Starmer. He has the ideal wife, which is never simple to attain.

Royal Supporters React to the Announcement of Trump’s State Visit

Trump is anticipated to see King Charles and Queen Camilla when he returns to the UK in September for a state visit. But this news did not make everyone happy. The Royal Family’s social media post announcing the visit received a lot of angry responses.

“Is this the first time the royals have hosted a convicted felon?” a user inquired.

“Bring on the protests,” wrote another. Felons are not accepted in London.

Another commenter said, “What makes you want to host him? He is not deserving of the king’s visit! “Absolutely Disgraceful,” said another.

“It’s embarrassing that you would allow this visit to happen in this political climate,” a fifth individual wrote. I’m genuinely let down. I have stood by the Royal Family no matter what.

Not every response, though, was unfavorable. A few were thrilled about the gathering.

“History in the making,” one person said. President Trump is back on the international scene with poise, strength, and unreserved leadership—the kind that inspires respect rather than merely turnout.

A third added, “Meeting of two of the most powerful leaders in the world,” and another said, “My bet is this event is more important than anyone could ever dream.” Excellent chance to make significant decisions that will affect the entire world.