Trump’s UN Speech Criticises London and UK Policies, Draws Far-Right Attention

Published: 24 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Former US President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to deliver a sharply critical appraisal of London and the UK government’s policies, framing them as a warning to Western Europe while energising far-right audiences across the continent.

Speaking before a global audience of world leaders, Trump singled out London, targeting its mayor and local policies, and claimed the city was moving toward the implementation of Sharia law. His remarks, which were widely circulated online, have been interpreted by political analysts as a deliberate attempt to provoke right-wing support in Europe.

“Look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s so been so changed, so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law, but you’re in a different country,” Trump said. “You can’t do that. Both the immigration and the suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe. If something is not done immediately, they cannot, this cannot, be sustained.”

The speech came shortly after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and King Charles III engaged in a high-profile diplomatic campaign to welcome Trump with ceremonial events, including carriage rides in Windsor, state dinners, and extended engagement with the US president over three days. Observers noted that the visit, intended to foster closer UK-US relations, was overshadowed by Trump’s sharply negative remarks about British domestic policies and governance.

Political commentators have suggested that Trump’s rhetoric, particularly the focus on London’s governance and immigration policies, is likely to resonate with far-right groups in Europe, who see such statements as a validation of their concerns about immigration, urban governance, and cultural change.

Analysts emphasised that while Trump’s statements were presented at an international forum, they have significant domestic and global implications. By linking local UK politics with broader concerns about Western Europe, the former president framed his critique as both a domestic and transnational warning, reinforcing narratives that have gained traction among extremist groups.

The comments have prompted reactions from UK politicians and public figures. Critics condemned the speech as incendiary and misleading, warning that the language used risks inflaming tensions and providing legitimacy to far-right movements. Supporters of Trump, however, hailed his remarks as a candid acknowledgement of urban and immigration challenges in European cities.

As global leaders continue to respond to the annual UN assembly, Trump’s speech is expected to feature prominently in debates on the role of populist rhetoric in international diplomacy, the challenges of urban governance, and the rise of far-right movements across Europe.