TL;DR: London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned Donald Trump’s UN speech accusing Khan of promoting Sharia law in London, calling the remarks “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic.” UK officials backed Khan, rejecting Trump’s claims as false and inflammatory.
What Happened
- During his UNGA speech on Sept 23, 2025, Donald Trump said: “I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor—terrible, terrible mayor—and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law.”
- Trump used this claim to criticize immigration and multiculturalism in Western Europe, without naming Khan directly.
Khan's Response
- Sadiq Khan called Trump’s remarks “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic.”
- He added: “I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trump’s head.”
- Khan defended London as “the greatest city in the world, safer than major U.S. cities,” noting its success in attracting global tourism, investment, and cultural recognition.
Fact Check & Legal Context
- UK officials clarified that Sharia councils in the UK are voluntary and have no legal authority.
- British law remains the only binding legal system in England and Wales.
- Khan has never advocated for implementing Sharia law.
Political Reactions
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting posted: “Sadiq Khan is not trying to impose Sharia law on London.”
- Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan called for the US ambassador to be summoned over Trump’s “rampant Islamophobia.”
- Reform UK’s Nigel Farage partially defended Trump, saying Sharia is “an issue,” though not overwhelming, and Khan isn’t directly responsible.
White House Rebuttal
- White House spokesman Davis Ingle said: “Mayor Khan clearly suffers from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome and has done a terrible job as mayor.”
- He blamed Khan’s immigration policies for “violent crime,” though London’s crime rates remain lower than many major U.S. cities.