US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan, labeling him a ‘terrible mayor’ for his approach to migration. In a speech at the UN, Trump warned that Europe is ‘in serious trouble’ due to an influx of migrants and singled out London as a city ‘changed’ by migration, suggesting that Sharia law could take over.
Khan responded by accusing Trump of being racist, sexist, and Islamophobic, defending London’s global reputation and its status as a cultural and economic hub. He pointed out that London is often ranked as the top city globally for culture, foreign investment, and sports, emphasizing its role as a place where people can thrive.
The UK has been grappling with high migration rates for years, with over 49,000 irregular arrivals to the country in the year to June 2025, a 27% increase compared to the previous year. According to the 2021 census, approximately 15% of London residents, around 1.3 million people, identified as Muslim.
Migration policy tensions spilled onto the streets of London on September 13, when the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally, led by activist Tommy Robinson, drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people, according to the Metropolitan Police. During clashes between protesters and law enforcement, 26 officers were injured and at least 25 arrests were made.