Washington: Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One upon returning from his state visit to the United Kingdom, U.S. President Donald Trump made several critical remarks about London Mayor Sadiq Khan, revealing that Khan was deliberately excluded from the royal banquet at his request.
"I didn’t want to see him there," said President Trump, referring to the London mayor. "He wanted to be invited, but I didn’t want him at the banquet."
President Trump also criticized the state of public safety in London, claiming that the crime rate in the British capital is alarmingly high. "London has a very high crime rate," he stated.
Further attacking Mayor Khan's leadership, Trump added, "In my opinion, the Mayor of London is one of the worst mayors in the world. We have some bad mayors too, but he's among the worst."
On domestic issues, President Trump urged Republican lawmakers to vote in favor of the upcoming spending bill. He also addressed concerns regarding Chicago, stating, "We won’t let Chicago fail."
Despite his criticism of London's leadership, Trump expressed admiration for the UK. "I’m proud of London and the United Kingdom," he concluded.
The snub is the latest broadside in the war of words between the two men that dates back to 2017, when the president criticised the mayor’s response to the London Bridge terror attack.
On the eve of Mr Trump’s return to the White House in January, Sir Sadiq warned of “resurgent fascism” and echoes of 1930s Germany.
The president responded in July, while staying at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland, by branding the Mayor a “nasty person” who was doing a “terrible job”.
Mr Trump has now told reporters on board Air Force One that he personally requested Sir Sadiq have no involvement with his visit to Britain.
