Trump Criticizes UN’s Performance
At the UN General Assembly, President Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech, declaring that the United Nations is “not even coming close to living up to its potential.”
He described the global body as ineffective, arguing that its “empty words don’t solve wars.” Trump’s return to the UN spotlight highlighted his America First approach, which contrasts sharply with the multilateralism embraced by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Praise for Self, Criticism of Others
During the nearly hour-long address, Trump:
- Praised his foreign policy achievements.
- Warned that many nations are “going to hell.”
- Attacked European policies on migration and green energy, calling them a “double-tailed monster” destroying economies and cultures.
He argued that Europe’s embrace of expensive climate projects and open migration policies is leading to collapse:
“If you don’t get away from the green energy scam, your country is going to fail. If you don’t stop people that you’ve never seen before, that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail.”
Foreign Policy Highlights
Trump used the UN speech to underscore both his military and diplomatic record:
- Defended U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and on alleged Venezuelan drug smugglers.
- Claimed his policies had ended or reduced conflicts worldwide, including in Africa and Asia.
- Reiterated his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, saying the real prize would be saving lives.
Still, experts dispute his sweeping claims of success, noting that wars in Gaza and Ukraine have escalated under his watch.
Gaza and Ukraine Loom Large
The wars in Gaza and Ukraine cast a shadow over the Trump UN speech.
- Trump repeated his opposition to global recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it a “reward for Hamas terrorists.”
- He criticized Europe for continuing to buy Russian oil, saying new tariffs would quickly “stop the bloodshed.”
- His effort to arrange direct talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stalled, with Russia intensifying its bombardment.
Mixed Reaction from Delegates
Trump’s attacks on green energy and migration drew groans and laughter from delegates, but also applause from some allies who share his views on sovereignty and economic protectionism.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock urged world leaders not to abandon multilateralism, warning:
“If we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail.”
Bilateral Meetings and Reception
Following his UN General Assembly speech, Trump:
- Met Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, assuring him that the U.S. is “100% behind” the UN.
- Held bilateral meetings with leaders of Ukraine, Argentina, and the European Union.
- Planned a reception with over 100 world leaders before returning to Washington.
Trump’s UN Moment
Despite his criticisms, Trump clearly relished the UN stage, using it to project American strength and reaffirm his worldview. For many global leaders, however, the speech reinforced concerns that Washington’s commitment to international cooperation is weakening under Trump’s second term.
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