Trump’s Harsh “Nasty Person” Comment About Starmer’s Friend Sparks an Uncomfortable Response from the UK PM

By The Hyperhive

29 July 2025

What sparked the Trump-Starmer-Khan controversy during the Scotland press conference? What did Trump say about Mayor Sadiq Khan that made UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer so uncomfortable?

On a recent trip to Scotland, something surprising happened during a press conference.

The event involved US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

What started as a routine meeting turned into an awkward moment that grabbed headlines.

The conversation took a turn when Trump made strong comments about a well-known UK figure, putting Starmer in a tough spot.

Let’s dive into what happened and why the Trump-Starmer-Khan Controversy matters.

Trump’s Criticism of London’s Mayor

At Trump’s golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, on July 28, 2025, a journalist asked the president if he would visit London during his upcoming state visit to the UK. Trump didn’t hold back. He called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a “nasty person” who has done a “terrible job.”

In his exact words, he said, “I’m not a fan of your mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job, the mayor of London… a nasty person.”

These words came as he sat next to Starmer, who quickly stepped in to defend Khan, saying, “He’s a friend of mine, actually.”

Despite Starmer’s attempt to lighten the mood, Trump repeated his harsh opinion, insisting he would still visit London. This exchange highlighted a long-standing feud between Trump and Khan, which dates back to Trump’s first term when Khan criticized him and Trump responded with personal attacks, including challenging Khan to an IQ test.

Starmer’s Delicate Balancing Act

Keir Starmer, the UK’s Labour Prime Minister, found himself in an uncomfortable position. He had to maintain a good relationship with Trump, who had praised him and his wife, Victoria, during the same press conference. Trump called Starmer’s support “great” and even complimented Victoria, saying she’s a “perfect wife.” Starmer responded lightheartedly, saying he takes “no credit” for that.

However, defending Khan, a fellow Labour politician, was important to Starmer. Khan’s team hit back at Trump, with a spokesperson saying the mayor was “delighted” Trump wanted to visit London and would see how the city’s diversity makes it stronger. Starmer’s response showed his effort to keep things friendly with Trump while standing up for his ally.

A History of Tension

The clash isn’t new. Trump and Khan have traded barbs for years. In 2019, Khan compared Trump to “20th-century fascists” in an op-ed, and Trump has criticized Khan’s handling of events like the 2017 London Bridge attack. Khan has suggested Trump targets him because he is Muslim, adding a deeper layer to their conflict.

Meanwhile, Trump’s warm words for Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage show he’s picking his allies carefully. Talking about Farage, he said. “Well, I like Nigel. I mean, Nigel is a friend of mine. Nigel has done very well. He’s a friend of mine, and Keir is a friend of mine.”

This incident at Turnberry is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s blunt style clashing with UK leaders, as seen in past tensions with former Prime Minister Theresa May. As Trump prepares for his second state visit to the UK, invited by King Charles III, all eyes will be on how these relationships play out.

This moment has sparked debate about diplomacy and personal rivalries. It shows how Trump’s direct approach can create awkward situations, even with allies. For Starmer, it’s a reminder of the challenge of working with a controversial figure while defending his team. For Khan, it’s another chapter in a public feud that doesn’t seem to be ending soon.