London Mayor Sadiq Khan has hit back at the U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump claimed he personally blocked him from attending a state banquet at Windsor Castle during his controversial UK visit.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed Khan’s record as mayor, saying:

“I think the Mayor of London, Khan, is among the worst mayors in the world. Crime in London is through the roof. I asked that he not be [at the banquet]. He wanted to be there, as I understand. I didn’t want him. I’ve not liked him for a long time.”

In response, Khan’s team said the former president’s remarks were “fear and division politics.” A source close to the mayor told Metro:

“London is a global success story. It’s open, dynamic and safer than major US cities. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons record numbers of Americans are choosing to make London their home.”

City Hall also clarified that Khan had no intention of attending the banquet and had neither expected nor sought an invitation. Mayors of London are typically not invited in their official capacity, although Khan did attend a 2024 white-tie dinner at Mansion House during the Emir of Qatar’s state visit.

The spat is the latest in a long-running feud between Trump and Khan, dating back to 2015 when Khan criticized Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban. Their clashes have included Trump’s criticism of Khan’s handling of the 2017 London Bridge terror attack, and Khan allowing the infamous “Trump baby blimp” to fly during protests against Trump’s 2018 UK visit.

Trump’s comments came shortly after a technical scare on Marine One, which suffered a hydraulic issue before landing at Stansted Airport. Boarding Air Force One, Trump joked:

“Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise, I wouldn’t care.”