London’s mayor has responded to renewed attacks from Donald Trump by characterizing the American president as inexplicably obsessed with him. The exchange comes as Trump simultaneously pressures Ukraine on territorial concessions while attacking European immigration policies in inflammatory terms.
Trump’s push for a Ukraine peace deal includes demands that President Zelenskyy accept land losses to Russia within an extremely short timeframe. American envoys have reportedly given Ukraine only days to respond to proposals that would exchange territory for vague US security commitments. Trump’s public statements emphasize Russian military advantages and suggest Ukraine lacks alternatives to accepting unfavorable terms.
The president’s characterization of Europe extended into controversial territory regarding immigration and demographic change. Trump claimed that European nations risk becoming “not viable” due to immigration from Africa and the Middle East, using explicitly racial framing. His description of cities like London and Paris as “much different” places focused on their increasing diversity, which he portrayed negatively.
Sadiq Khan received some of Trump’s harshest language, with the president calling him “vicious,” “disgusting,” and “incompetent.” These attacks represent an escalation of Trump’s previous criticism of Khan, who became London’s first Muslim mayor in 2016. Khan’s response emphasized London’s success as a diverse, global city while expressing bewilderment at Trump’s continued focus on a foreign municipal leader.
European leaders have united in rejecting Trump’s approach, with officials from multiple nations and institutions pushing back against both his characterization of Europe and his apparent willingness to interfere in European politics. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz directly contradicted Trump’s suggestion that European democracy needs American rescue. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Council President António Costa have both described American approaches as provocative and unacceptable. Pope Leo XIV warned that Trump’s stance threatens to fracture a crucial Western alliance.
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