In a fiery and polarizing address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump ignited a global firestorm by falsely claiming that London’s Muslim mayor is planning to impose Sharia law in the British capital. The remarks, delivered as part of a broader critique of migration policies and what Trump described as Europe’s cultural and political decline, drew immediate condemnation from analysts, policymakers, and fact-checkers who labeled the claims baseless and inflammatory. The speech, characterized by Trump’s signature rhetorical style—repetitive, hyperbolic, and provocative—underscored his ongoing focus on immigration as a wedge issue, both domestically and internationally.
A Speech Centered on Migration and European Decline
President Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly was ostensibly focused on global challenges, but it quickly veered into a scathing critique of immigration policies, particularly in Western Europe. Speaking before a packed chamber of world leaders, diplomats, and representatives, Trump painted a dystopian picture of a continent under siege. “Europe has been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobody has ever seen before,” he declared, his voice rising with emphasis. He argued that unchecked migration was eroding the cultural and social fabric of European nations, warning that “both the immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe if something is not done immediately.”
The remarks were vintage Trump, blending alarmist rhetoric with dire predictions about the future. He positioned himself as a defender of Western values, accusing European leaders of failing to protect their citizens from what he described as existential threats. The speech was not just a critique of policy but a broader commentary on governance, with Trump singling out specific leaders and cities to illustrate his point.
Targeting London’s Mayor
At the heart of Trump’s speech was a pointed attack on London’s mayor, whom he repeatedly described as “terrible.” Without directly naming the mayor, Trump’s references were unmistakable, given his history of targeting Sadiq Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, who has served since 2016. “I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been so changed,” Trump said, his repetition of “terrible” drawing murmurs from the audience. He went on to claim that the city had undergone a dramatic transformation under the mayor’s leadership, implying a decline in its cultural and social identity.
The most explosive moment came when Trump asserted, “Now they want to go to Sharia law.” The claim, delivered without evidence or context, was met with audible gasps in the chamber. Trump doubled down, repeating the assertion later in his speech: “I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law. But you are in a different country, you can’t do that.” The remarks suggested that London’s leadership was not only failing but actively pursuing policies that would fundamentally alter the city’s legal and cultural framework.
Fact-Checking the Sharia Law Claim
Trump’s claim that London’s mayor intends to implement Sharia law is categorically false, according to experts and fact-checkers. The United Kingdom operates under a secular legal system, and the mayor of London, whose powers are limited to areas such as transport, policing, and economic development, has no authority to enact or enforce religious law. Sharia law, which refers to Islamic legal principles, is not part of the UK’s legal framework in any official capacity. In limited cases, voluntary Sharia councils in the UK handle civil matters, such as marriage and divorce, through arbitration, but these councils operate within the bounds of British law and cannot override national legislation.
Dr. Amina Khalid, a professor of Islamic studies at the University of London, explained, “The idea that Sharia law is being imposed in London is a gross misrepresentation. Sharia councils exist in some communities to provide mediation on personal matters, but they are entirely voluntary and subordinate to UK law. The mayor has no role in this process, and there is no evidence to support claims of a broader agenda to implement Sharia law.” Khalid’s remarks echo a consensus among scholars and legal experts who have debunked similar claims in the past.
The mayor’s office swiftly issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks as “divisive and dangerous.” A spokesperson for the mayor said, “These baseless accusations are not only false but also undermine the unity and diversity that define London as a global city. The mayor remains focused on delivering for Londoners, regardless of their background or faith.” The statement avoided naming Trump directly but called for responsible rhetoric from world leaders.
Contextualizing Trump’s Rhetoric
Trump’s remarks about London and Sharia law are not new but rather an escalation of a narrative he has promoted for years. During his first presidential campaign in 2016, Trump falsely claimed that parts of London were “no-go zones” due to Muslim immigration, a statement widely debunked at the time. His fixation on Sadiq Khan has been a recurring theme, often tied to Khan’s identity as a Muslim and his progressive policies. In 2019, Trump called Khan a “stone-cold loser” and criticized his handling of crime in London, prompting Khan to accuse Trump of targeting him because of his faith.
The Sharia law claim also fits into a broader pattern of Islamophobic rhetoric that has surfaced in Western political discourse. By invoking Sharia law, Trump taps into a well-worn trope used by far-right groups to stoke fear about Muslim immigration. Analysts argue that such claims are designed to resonate with Trump’s domestic base, particularly ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where immigration is expected to remain a central issue.
Dr. James Carter, a political scientist at Georgetown University, noted, “Trump’s comments about Sharia law are less about London and more about signaling to his supporters in the United States. By framing immigration as a cultural threat, he reinforces a narrative that has proven effective in mobilizing certain voter demographics.” Carter added that the UN General Assembly, with its global audience, provided Trump a platform to amplify this message.
Broader Critique of Europe and the UN
Beyond his comments on London, Trump’s speech took aim at Europe as a whole, portraying it as a cautionary tale for the United States. He accused European leaders of adopting “suicidal” policies, not only on immigration but also on energy, referencing Europe’s push for renewable energy and net-zero carbon goals. “They’re shutting down their coal plants, their factories, their livelihoods, all for ideas that won’t work,” Trump said, dismissing climate initiatives as economically disastrous.
Trump also turned his ire on the United Nations itself, accusing the organization of enabling the trends he criticized. “The UN is funding an assault on Western countries and their borders,” he claimed, without providing specifics. He suggested that the UN’s humanitarian programs and refugee resettlement efforts were undermining national sovereignty, a charge that drew sharp rebukes from UN officials. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General responded, “The United Nations is committed to supporting member states in addressing global challenges, including migration, in a way that respects human rights and international law.”
Trump’s critique of the UN is consistent with his long-standing skepticism of multilateral institutions. During his first term, he withdrew the United States from several UN-affiliated agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal. His 2025 UN speech reaffirmed this stance, positioning the U.S. as a counterweight to what he described as globalist agendas.
Reactions and Implications
The international reaction to Trump’s speech was swift and varied. In the UK, political leaders across the spectrum condemned the remarks about London’s mayor. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at a press conference, called Trump’s comments “unhelpful and inaccurate,” emphasizing that London remains a vibrant and inclusive city. Opposition leaders echoed this sentiment, with some accusing Trump of interfering in British domestic affairs.
In the United States, the speech was met with predictable partisan divides. Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators praised Trump for his “bold” stance on immigration, while Democrats and progressive groups decried the speech as xenophobic and divisive. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement, said, “The President’s remarks at the UN were a disgrace to the office he holds. His false claims about London’s mayor and his attacks on our allies only serve to isolate America on the world stage.”
The speech also sparked a broader debate about the role of rhetoric in international diplomacy. Analysts warned that Trump’s comments could strain U.S.-UK relations, particularly at a time when both countries are navigating complex global challenges, including trade negotiations and security cooperation. “Words matter, especially when spoken by the leader of a global superpower,” said Emily Thompson, a former U.S. diplomat. “Trump’s remarks risk inflaming tensions and undermining trust between allies.”
The Bigger Picture: Immigration and Global Politics
Trump’s UN address reflects a broader global trend of rising anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly in Western nations. In Europe, far-right parties have gained ground in countries like France, Germany, and Italy, capitalizing on public concerns about migration and cultural change. Trump’s rhetoric mirrors these sentiments, positioning him as a champion of nationalist policies in a world increasingly divided over globalization.
At the same time, the speech highlights the challenges of addressing migration in a polarized political climate. The UN estimates that there are over 280 million international migrants worldwide, driven by factors such as conflict, poverty, and climate change. Managing migration requires cooperation between nations, but Trump’s remarks underscore the difficulties of achieving consensus when leaders prioritize domestic political gain over international collaboration.
In London, the mayor’s office has emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion, citing the city’s history as a melting pot of cultures. Programs aimed at supporting migrant communities, improving public safety, and fostering economic growth remain central to the mayor’s agenda. However, Trump’s comments risk fueling misinformation and division, particularly in communities already grappling with social tensions.
Looking Ahead
As the fallout from Trump’s speech continues, its long-term impact remains uncertain. In the UK, the mayor is likely to face increased scrutiny, both from supporters who see him as a symbol of progressive values and from critics who may seize on Trump’s remarks to advance their own agendas. In the U.S., the speech is expected to energize Trump’s base while further polarizing the national conversation on immigration.
For the United Nations, the speech serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining relevance in a world where populist leaders question the value of multilateralism. The organization’s ability to navigate these tensions will be critical as it seeks to address pressing global issues, from climate change to humanitarian crises.
In the meantime, fact-checkers and analysts continue to dismantle the myths perpetuated by Trump’s claims about Sharia law and London’s mayor. The truth, as always, is more complex than the rhetoric, rooted in the realities of governance, law, and cultural coexistence in one of the world’s most diverse cities.
