Keir Starmer had to intervene during a tense exchange with Donald Trump, where the US President went on a rant about London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, branding him a ‘nasty person’
Keir Starmer was forced to interject as Donald Trump reignited his beef with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
The Prime Minister is visiting the US President at his golf course in Turnberry, Scotland.
In the second of two lengthy Q&A sessions after his arrival – and ahead of a bilateral meeting to discuss trade, Gaza and Ukraine – Trump was asked whether he would be visiting London during his state visit in September.
He said he didn’t know – but took a shot at Sir Sadiq. “I’m not a fan of your mayor,” he said. “I think he’s done a terrible job. He’s a nasty person.”
Starmer leaned over to interject, saying: “He’s a friend of mine.” Trump also noted that Nigel Farage is a “friend” and has done “very well”.
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The US President has a fraught history with the London Mayor dating back to his last presidency. In 2016, Trump challenged Khan to an IQ test after he said the US President’s views on Islam were ignorant.
And in 2019 he called Sir Sadiq a “stone cold loser who should focus on crime in London”. The Lond Mayor hit back, accusing Trump of being a “poster boy for racists”.
A spokesman for the London Mayor responded: “Sadiq is delighted that President Trump wants to come to the greatest city in the world.
“He’d see how our diversity makes us stronger not weaker; richer, not poorer. Perhaps these are the reasons why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his Presidency.”
Trump went on to address those complaining that he won’t address the Houses of Parliament as it’s on recess during his state visit. He said he would be willing to do so, but “maybe we should save it for another time”.
Earlier, Trump went on a lengthy ramble about how nice his hotel is, and what a good job he did renovating it, threatening to turn the press conference into an advertisement.”
Starmer and wife Victoria were greeted by President Trump on the steps of Turnberry, accompanied by a very loud bagpiper playing traditional Scots music.
The President turned to take some questions, much of which was drowned out by the bagpipes.
He said Mrs Starmer, whom he described as Mr Starmer’s “First Lady” was “very respected across the United States.”
Asked whether he would do a deal to reduce tariffs on Scotch Whiskey imports into the US, he said he didn’t know it was an issue.
“I don’t drink whisky,” the famously teetotal President said. “Maybe I’ll have some whisky.”
Turning to the crisis in Gaza, Trump again complained that he had received insufficient credit and thanks for sending $60 million worth of aid to the region.
He said: “No one said thank you. Somebody should say thank you.”
Asked if he agreed with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu that there was no starvation in Gaza, Trump said: “From what I’ve seen on television, not particularly because the children look very hungry.”
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