London Mayor Sadiq Khan Urges UK Diplomats to Counter Trump's 'Disinformation' Campaign

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a clarion call to British diplomats worldwide, urging them to actively combat what he describes as a campaign of "disinformation and lies" orchestrated by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the UK capital.

In a recent interview with Reuters, Khan emphasized the need for envoys to be armed with factual data to dispel false narratives. Trump, a long-time critic who has frequently labeled Khan a "terrible mayor," has publicly alleged that London's crime rates are "through the roof" and claimed the city is attempting to "switch to Sharia law."

Setting the Record Straight

Following a meeting with British ambassadors and high commissioners, Khan acknowledged that while London is not without its flaws, it remains significantly safer than many major American urban centers. He backed his defense with recent statistics:

• Last year, London recorded its lowest per capita murder rate since statistical tracking began.
• In 2025, the city saw a notable decrease in mobile phone thefts—a crime for which the capital had previously gained notoriety.

"A lot of this disinformation and lies comes from the United States of America," Khan stated. "It is very important to counter the propaganda coming from President Trump."

Economic Repercussions

The mayor warned that the unchecked proliferation of these falsehoods on social media poses a tangible threat to London's economy. Misinformation could deter potential tourists, foreign investors, international students, and prospective residents, thereby jeopardizing the city's future growth and global standing.

A Decade-Long Feud Amid Broader Geopolitical Tensions

The animosity between Khan and Trump is deeply rooted, dating back to at least 2015 when Khan strongly condemned Trump's campaign promise to ban citizens from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

This renewed clash over London's reputation unfolds against a backdrop of strained US-UK relations. President Trump has recently directed harsh criticism at key European allies, accusing them of providing inadequate support for U.S. initiatives in the Middle East.

Tensions flared specifically on March 16, when Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Initially, the UK government cited international law in refusing Washington permission to launch strikes from British bases, such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, during a joint US-Israeli operation against Iran. Ultimately, Starmer reversed course, granting the U.S. access to Diego Garcia strictly for "specific and limited defensive purposes."