London mayor Sadiq Khan could be 'exception' to Muslim ban in US: Trump

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, who proposed temporary bar on Muslims entering the United States, suggested that he would make an exception for London's newly elected Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan.

"There will always be exceptions," the New York Times quoted Trump as saying when asked in an interview on Monday how his proposed ban would affect London's mayor.

On Khan's election, he said, "I was happy to see that. I think it's a very good thing, and I hope he does a very good job because frankly that would be very, very good."

The New York billionaire drew flak for his proposed ban on Muslims soon after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November that killed 130 people.

Mr. Trump has been criticized for his proposed ban, which he announced soon after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November that killed 130 people.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Time magazine after his election, Khan criticized Trump's approach to Muslims and said he planned to visit the United States before the inauguration.

"If Donald Trump becomes the president I'll be stopped from going there by virtue of my faith, which means I can't engage with American mayors and swap ideas," Khan said.

Trump's Democratic rivals and many of his Republican presidential opponents, Muslim and human rights groups have time and again condemned the proposal as divisive, counterproductive and contrary to American values.

He, however seems to remain least interested in changing his stance.