US President Donald Trump has claimed he personally blocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan from attending the Windsor Castle state banquet during his latest UK visit.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he “didn’t want [Khan] there,” accusing the mayor of overseeing rising crime rates and branding him “one of the worst mayors in the world.”
“I asked that he not be [at the banquet],” Trump said. “He wanted to be there, as I understand. I didn’t want him. I’ve not liked him for a long time.”
Khan fired back, pointing out that “record numbers of Americans” are moving to London, a sign of the city’s global appeal that stands in contrast to Trump’s criticism. A source close to the mayor added: “Trump’s politics is one of fear and division. London is a global success story—open, dynamic, and safer than major US cities. Perhaps that’s why so many Americans choose to make London their home.”
According to Metro, Khan never intended to attend the state banquet, and City Hall “didn’t expect or seek” an invitation. London mayors are not typically invited to such royal events, though Khan has attended other high-level dinners, including a 2024 white-tie event for the Emir of Qatar’s state visit at Mansion House.
The feud between Trump and Khan stretches back years. In 2015, Khan criticised Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US. Trump later blasted Khan’s handling of the 2017 London Bridge terror attack and condemned the “Trump baby blimp” that flew over protests during his 2018 UK visit.
Trump’s latest comments came shortly after Marine One, carrying him and First Lady Melania, experienced a hydraulic issue before landing at Stansted Airport. Boarding Air Force One, he joked: “Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise, I wouldn’t care.”
