New York, NY – In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump launched one of his most blistering critiques yet of the world body, labeling it “feckless” and accusing it of issuing “empty words” while failing to resolve global conflicts. The speech, delivered on the U.N.’s 80th anniversary, marked Trump’s return to the international stage and drew sharp reactions from diplomats and global leaders alike.
A Harsh Rebuke of Multilateralism
Speaking to representatives from nearly 200 nations, Trump accused the U.N. of falling short of its mission.
“This institution has great potential for peace, but it is not even coming close to living up to it,” Trump declared, calling the body weak and ineffective.
The president mocked the U.N.’s handling of climate initiatives, dismissing climate change as a “con job,” and ridiculed the organization’s frequent use of “strongly worded letters” that, in his view, never translate into real solutions.
Climate and Immigration in the Crosshairs
Trump focused much of his attack on Europe, warning that open migration policies and strict green energy mandates would “destroy” Western economies. He described the two policies combined as a “double-tailed monster” dragging nations into ruin.
“Your countries are going to hell if you don’t stop this madness,” he warned European delegates.
Stronger Words on Ukraine and the Middle East
Despite his harsh tone toward the U.N., Trump struck a firmer stance on ongoing conflicts. He pledged stronger U.S. backing for Ukraine, insisting the country could regain territory lost to Russia with NATO and European support. In the Middle East, he rejected unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, saying it would “reward terrorism.”
Glitches Highlight Tense Moment
The president’s combative rhetoric was accompanied by lighter but telling moments. An escalator malfunction at U.N. headquarters briefly stranded Trump and First Lady Melania, while a teleprompter failure during his remarks prompted Trump to quip that the staffer responsible was “in big trouble.” Both incidents quickly made headlines, underscoring the drama of the day.
Global Reaction
World leaders pushed back on Trump’s characterization. French President Emmanuel Macron and other European officials defended multilateralism, arguing that climate and migration challenges require collective solutions. Analysts say the speech signals a renewed “America First” strategy, with Trump seeking to reshape global norms and put U.S. sovereignty at the center of foreign policy.
Between Criticism and Support
Despite his scathing tone, Trump insisted he remained supportive of the U.N.’s mission. “I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great,” he told Secretary-General António Guterres.
What’s Next
As the world digests Trump’s remarks, diplomats warn that his rhetoric could further strain transatlantic relations and weaken trust in multilateral institutions. For Trump, however, the speech reinforced a familiar message: that the U.S. will lead on its own terms, and the U.N. must either reform or risk irrelevance.
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