Zohran Mamdani and Sadiq Khan Hit Back at Trump’s Criticism

London and New York—two of the world’s most diverse and influential cities—are now governed by Muslim leaders who embody progress and inclusion: Sadiq Khan in London and Zohran Mamdani in New York. Yet both have found themselves at the center of controversy and prejudice, facing waves of criticism and Islamophobic abuse from political figures and opponents, notably former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Sadiq Khan, who has served as the Mayor of London since 2016, warmly congratulated Zohran Mamdani on his recent election victory, calling it a “triumph of hope over fear, unity over division.” The message of solidarity between the two mayors resonated globally, highlighting a shared struggle and vision for tolerance amid rising extremism and hate speech.

Both Khan and Mamdani lead cities with populations exceeding 8 million, representing extraordinary diversity. However, this diversity often draws criticism from far-right voices. Trump has repeatedly targeted Khan, labeling him a “stone cold loser” and accusing him of bringing “Sharia law” to London — remarks Khan has called deeply Islamophobic and racist. Mamdani, too, has become a target of hate campaigns in the U.S., with some of his political rivals falsely branding him a “jihadist” or “Hamas supporter.”

Despite these attacks, both leaders have stood firm in their beliefs. Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat and democratic socialist, has vowed never to compromise his faith or identity. “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith I’m proud to call my own,” he declared during his campaign. Similarly, Khan continues to describe himself as “a proud Brit, a proud Londoner, and a proud Muslim,” asserting his belief that diversity is London’s strength.

Both mayors have faced challenges beyond personal attacks. Khan has had to manage London’s housing crisis, air pollution, and rising living costs, while Mamdani’s ambitious promises—such as free childcare, affordable housing, and fare-free public transport—will test his leadership and political will. Experts suggest that delivering these promises will require strategic alliances and realistic expectations, especially with limited mayoral powers in New York.

Their shared experiences underscore the intersection of politics, religion, and identity in modern urban leadership. Both have worked to build bridges with Jewish communities after being criticized for their pro-Palestinian stances amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Their commitment to interfaith unity has made them symbols of coexistence in polarized political landscapes.

Khan’s political journey offers valuable lessons for Mamdani. From a humble background as the son of a Pakistani bus driver and seamstress, Khan rose to become the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital. His tenure has been marked by achievements like free school meals for all primary students and an expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone to tackle air pollution—an initiative that faced backlash but proved successful in improving London’s air quality.

Mamdani, meanwhile, comes from an influential family—his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a respected Ugandan-Indian scholar, and his mother, Mira Nair, an acclaimed filmmaker. Raised in New York from age seven, Mamdani entered politics with a passion for housing justice and grassroots activism. His campaign, driven by young, progressive voters, achieved record turnout in the city’s recent election.

Both Khan and Mamdani now symbolize the growing global movement of diverse leadership—where faith, background, and ethnicity no longer define one’s ability to lead. As they continue to govern their respective metropolises, their message remains clear: progress and inclusion must triumph over division and hate.

In the words of Sadiq Khan, “London is liberal, progressive, multicultural, and successful — as indeed is New York. If you’re a populist politician, we represent everything you stand against.”