Sadiq Khan Battles ‘Disinformation Blizzard’ and Ongoing Feud with Donald Trump
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is intensifying his fight against a “disinformation blizzard” on social media, while simultaneously navigating a volatile and long-running feud with US President Donald Trump. As the Mayor pushes for stronger action against the “outrage economy,” he is facing a wave of targeted attacks and allegations of foreign interference aimed at undermining the UK capital.
The Escalating Conflict with Donald Trump
The relationship between Mayor Sadiq Khan and President Donald Trump has remained hostile, characterized by public insults and ideological clashes. In a December 2025 interview with Politico, President Trump branded Khan a “disgusting mayor” and a “disaster,” claiming that London has develop into “a different place.” Trump further alleged that Khan was elected because “so many people have come in,” suggesting a link between immigration and the Mayor’s political success.
This is not an isolated incident. In September 2025, during a speech at the United Nations, the US President called the London mayor “terrible,” prompting Khan to hit back by describing Trump as “racist, sexist, misogynistic and islamophobic.” More recently, on March 3, 2026, Trump renewed these attacks during remarks made in the Oval Office, again criticizing the Mayor and the state of the UK capital.
Khan’s Response and the ‘Liberal Values’ Defense
Mayor Khan has consistently dismissed the President’s remarks, telling Politico that Trump is “obsessed” with him. Khan argued that the President’s claims about immigration are misplaced, asserting that “record numbers of Americans” are actually moving to London because the city’s liberal values serve as the “antithesis” of Trump’s ideology.
Beyond public rebuttals, the Mayor has taken diplomatic steps to counter the narrative, asking diplomats to push back against what he characterizes as Trump’s “lies” about London.
Combatting the ‘Outrage Economy’ and AI Bots
Parallel to his conflict with the US President, Sadiq Khan is sounding the alarm over the systemic spread of disinformation. The Mayor has taken aim at social media companies, demanding stronger action to curb the “outrage economy”—a system that rewards inflammatory and false content with engagement.
Khan has warned of a “disinformation blizzard” targeting the city. This includes reports that narratives suggesting London is in decline may be amplified by Russian AI bots, designed to destabilize the city’s image and social cohesion.
The UK Government’s Delicate Balance
The tension has placed Downing Street in a precarious position. When questioned about why the UK government did not more forcefully defend the Mayor against Trump’s “disgusting mayor” comments, a Downing Street spokesman stated that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintains strong relationships with both Sadiq Khan and Donald Trump.
The government emphasized that the US remains the UK’s “closest partner on trade and security,” suggesting a determination to preserve the transatlantic relationship despite the personal animosity between the US President and the Mayor of London.
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing Hostility: President Trump has repeatedly labeled Sadiq Khan “terrible,” a “disaster,” and a “disgusting mayor.”
- Ideological Clash: Khan has countered by calling Trump “racist, sexist, misogynistic and islamophobic.”
- Disinformation Threats: The Mayor is warns of a “disinformation blizzard” and the potential influence of Russian AI bots in spreading narratives of London’s decline.
- Diplomatic Stance: Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is avoiding direct criticism of Trump to protect critical trade and security ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sadiq Khan criticizing social media companies?
The Mayor argues that social media platforms fuel an “outrage economy” that allows disinformation to spread rapidly, contributing to a “disinformation blizzard” that targets the city of London.
How has the UK government responded to Trump’s attacks on Khan?
Downing Street has denied failing to defend the Mayor, noting that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strong relationships with both the US President and the Mayor of London, while prioritizing the UK-US partnership on security and trade.
What is the “outrage economy”?
It refers to the digital ecosystem where social media algorithms prioritize and amplify inflammatory or polarizing content because it generates more user engagement, often at the expense of factual accuracy.