Donald Trump hits out at 'ignorant' Sadiq Khan as war of words continues | London Evening Standard

Donald Trump hits out at 'ignorant' Sadiq Khan as war of words continues

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Donald Trump today reignited a war of words with Sadiq Khan as he blasted the new Mayor's "rude" criticism of him.

The presumptive Republican Presidential candidate hit out Mr Khan after the Mayor criticised him over his "ignorant" view of Islam.

Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Mr Trump said of Mr Khan: "He doesn't know me, hasn't met me, doesn't know what I'm all about.

“I think they were very rude statements and, frankly, tell him I will remember those statements. They are very nasty statements."

He added: "When he won I wished him well. Now, I don't care about him, I mean, it doesn't make any difference to me, let's see how he does, let's see if he's a good mayor."

War of words: Donald TrumpITV/Good Morning Britain

Mr Trump is likely to go head to head against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the race for the White House later this year.

His policy of a blanket ban on Muslims entering the US has unified UK politicians in opposition, with the Prime Minister branding it “divisive, stupid and wrong”.

Planning a US visit: London Mayor Sadiq KhanStefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Asked how the stand-off could affect relations should he be elected, Mr Trump said: "It looks like we are not going to have a very good relationship. Who knows, I hope to have a good relationship with him but he's not willing to address the problem either."

Mr Trump said he was "not stupid" and denied he was divisive. He said: "I'm a unifier, unlike our president now, I'm a unifier."

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Last week, the London Mayor forced a climb-down after launching a furious attack on Mr Trump for his views on Muslims.

His comments led the billionaire tycoon to partially alter his call for a temporary ban on Muslims, saying there would be “exceptions” including for Mr Khan.

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A spokesman for Mr Khan branded Mr Trump's views "ignorant, divisive and dangerous" after the Republican's intervention today.

He added that they play "straight into the extremist's hands and makes both our countries less safe".