President Donald Trump delivered his first UN General Assembly address of his second term in New York. The 56-minute combative speech sharply criticized the United Nations, European allies, global migration, and climate policies.
- The speech began with technical issues: Trump’s teleprompter malfunctioned, and he was briefly stranded on a UN escalator with First Lady Melania Trump.
- Trump claimed his administration had “ended seven unendable wars” in countries including Pakistan, India, Egypt, Sudan, Rwanda, DRC, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Cambodia.
- He questioned the UN’s relevance, arguing: “What is the purpose of the United Nations? All they do is write a really strongly worded letter and never follow it up.”
- Trump accused the UN of spending "$372 million to support 624,000 migrants" entering the US, alleging the organization was “funding an assault on Western countries.”
Background
The address came amid one of the most turbulent moments in UN history, with active conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, rising AI security concerns, and deep divides over climate and migration.
Trump’s speech marked his return to multilateral diplomacy after pulling out of bodies like the WHO and UN Human Rights Council in his first months back in office. Unlike his 2018 UN speech, when leaders laughed at him, this year the chamber was largely silent.
Trump’s Policy Highlights
- Ukraine & Russia: Trump said Ukraine could “combat and RECLAIM” occupied territories. He threatened “very strict tariffs” on Russia unless Europe adopted identical measures.
- Gaza & Palestine: Opposed unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it “a reward to Hamas”. He demanded hostages be released before peace moves.
- Climate Change: Rejected climate science as “a hoax” and warned nations: “If you don’t get away from the green energy scam, your country is going to fail.”
- Weapons Control: Announced AI-powered enforcement of the Biological Weapons Convention and stressed Iran “can never possess a nuclear weapon.”
Diplomatic Reactions
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres countered that the “foundations of peace are weakening”. But in a private meeting afterward, Trump softened his tone: “Our country is behind the United Nations 100%.”
- European leaders were directly warned: “I love the people of Europe, but immigration and energy are destroying you. Your countries are going to hell.”
- General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock responded indirectly: “If we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail.”
- Brazil’s President Lula openly challenged Trump, calling Gaza an “ongoing genocide.”
Economic and Political Implications
- Trade: Trump reiterated tariffs as “a defense mechanism”, signaling potential US-EU rifts if allies resist his Russia tariff demands.
- Migration: His claims about foreign nationals in European prisons (50% in Germany, 72% in Switzerland) reignited debate over open borders.
- Climate Policy: His stance undermines global progress on the Paris Agreement and widens the US-EU climate divide.
Global Ramifications
The address reinforced Trump’s “America First” doctrine, with tougher NATO demands—he urged allies to shoot down Russian aircraft in their airspace. His Nobel Peace Prize ambitions were clear, though experts doubt his claimed “seven war resolutions” reflect true diplomacy.
Despite fiery rhetoric, Trump held bilateral meetings with leaders from Ukraine, EU, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, UAE, and Jordan, underscoring his continued strategic engagement.
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