Trump's UN Address: Sharia Law Claims and Attacks on Sadiq Khan Spark Controversy
President Donald Trump ignited controversy during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025, by falsely claiming that London wants to "go to Sharia Law." His remarks also included a renewed attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, drawing strong rebukes from UK officials and fueling a long-standing feud.
Trump's Speech and Allegations
During his 55-minute speech at the UN, Trump asserted, "I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it's been so changed, so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law, but you're in a different country. You can't do that." He also criticized European immigration policies, claiming that Europe was being "invaded by a force of illegal aliens."
These claims were immediately refuted by numerous sources. Sharia Law, derived from the Qur'an and the Sunnah, is the Islamic law that dictates various aspects of life for followers. Islamic-majority nations sometimes impose it as a national framework. However, no evidence suggests that London, under Sadiq Khan's leadership, is implementing Sharia Law as part of its legal system.
Reactions and Rebuttals
Sadiq Khan's office responded to Trump's comments by stating, "We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities, and we're delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here."
Numerous UK politicians also defended Khan. Health Secretary Wes Streeting posted on X, "@SadiqKhan is not trying to impose sharia law on London. This is a Mayor who marches with Pride, who stands up for difference of background and opinion, who’s focused on improving our transport, our air, our streets, our safety, our choices and chances. Proud he’s our Mayor."
Context of the Trump-Khan Feud
Trump's attack on Khan is the latest chapter in a long-running feud that dates back to 2015 when Khan criticized Trump's proposal to ban Muslims from traveling to the US. The two have clashed repeatedly since then, with Trump often using harsh language to describe the London Mayor.
During a recent state visit, Trump reportedly said that Khan was "among the worst mayors in the world" and claimed he had requested that Khan not be invited to a state banquet. Khan, in turn, has accused Trump of "fanning the flames of divisive politics."
Trump's Other Remarks at the UN
In addition to his comments about London and Sadiq Khan, Trump made several other notable claims during his UN address. He called climate change "the greatest con job" and urged European leaders to stop buying Russian oil. He also claimed to have ended seven wars in seven months, a claim that has been questioned by various news outlets.
Trump also criticized the UK's energy policies, suggesting that the country should exploit more of its North Sea oil reserves. He argued that excessive taxation was preventing developers from accessing the oil.
The Implications
Trump's UN address and his unsubstantiated claims about London and Sharia Law have further strained relations between the US and the UK. His remarks have also been widely condemned as divisive and misleading, raising concerns about the spread of misinformation on the international stage.
| Claim | Response |
|---|---|
| London wants to "go to Sharia Law" | Dismissed as false by UK officials and experts. |
| Europe is being "invaded by illegal aliens" | Criticized as xenophobic and inaccurate. |
| Climate change is "the greatest con job" | Contradicts scientific consensus. |
