Sadiq Khan Calls Out Trump’s Racism and Extends an Olive Branch

[Social Media]

 

London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has openly labeled former U.S. President Donald Trump a "racist," asserting that Trump targeted him based on his ethnicity and religion. Khan’s statements highlight a long-standing tension between the two, dating back to Trump’s presidency, when Khan faced multiple criticisms from Trump. According to Khan, "if I wasn’t this colour skin, he wouldn’t have come for me," a claim he made while speaking on the High Performance podcast. Khan shared that Trump’s criticism felt personal, remarking, “He wasn’t coming for me because I’m five foot six. He’s coming for me for – let’s be frank – my ethnicity and my religion.”

 

Khan has long condemned Trump’s policies, describing them as “sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, racist.” The feud between the two gained attention in 2017 when Trump challenged Khan to an IQ test, then accused him of a poor response to the London Bridge terror attack. In a subsequent insult, Trump called Khan “very dumb” and a “stone-cold loser who should focus on crime in London.” Khan has responded by accusing Trump of "hard-Right populism" and even sanctioned the now-iconic "Trump baby blimp" to fly during Trump’s diplomatic visit to the UK.

 

Khan’s critique of Trump extends beyond personal grievances; he views Trump’s influence on the global stage as deeply troubling. “What worries me though, it’s not about me and my family – it’s about the fact that he’s the leader of the free world,” Khan said. He expressed a sense of duty to speak out against Trump’s divisive policies. “This is the president of the USA, a country we all adore, love,” he continued, stressing that the U.S. could either be a source of “hope and love” or “hate,” depending on its leader’s choices.

 

Reflecting on whether he would challenge Trump again, Khan was unwavering. “Would I do it again? Absolutely, because you’ve got to speak the truth with power,” he stated, underscoring the global impact of America’s policies. Khan insists that, as Mayor of London, he has a responsibility to advocate not only for Londoners but also for people affected by U.S. policies worldwide.

 

Despite their contentious history, Khan extended a surprising invitation for Trump to visit London. "I would love Donald Trump, whether he wins or not, to come to London," Khan said, offering to show Trump the city's diversity and inclusivity. “Let me show him around our wonderfully diverse communities. Let me take him on the Pride march next summer. Let me take him to a mosque, let me take him to some of our diverse communities,” he continued, emphasizing the compatibility of Western and Muslim identities. Khan underscored that pluralism and respect for differences are integral to democracy, hoping to demonstrate that “it is perfectly compatible to be a Westerner and to be a Muslim” and that treating women with respect is essential for any leader.

 

Through this invitation, Khan extended an olive branch, suggesting that understanding and dialogue are possible despite deep disagreements. He believes that while society is diverse, “the joy of democracy” is found in its pluralism. In Khan’s view, disagreement can be handled agreeably, and even bitter rivals can seek common ground to appreciate each other’s perspectives.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-15

 

 

 

[Srikcir]

Trump doesn't eat olives. Try money.

[pattayasan]

Why? He'll be accusing the immigrants of eating the dogs.

[RichardColeman]

If I was Trump I'd ignore any contact with this piece of liberal (word deleted)

[Cryingdick]

Go to gay pride and visit mosques. lol Like we don't have any of that over here. Of course none of the diversity he highlight are actually traditional British culture. When do we go to eat bad food with white people who have bad teeth and speak funny?