The United Nations General Assembly convened on its 80th anniversary amidst a backdrop of raging wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, where peace and stability remained as elusive as the year prior. It was into this charged atmosphere that President Trump stepped to the lectern, his highly anticipated address quickly diverging from prepared remarks due to a teleprompter malfunction.
From the outset, Trump launched a scathing critique of the United Nations, asserting that he, not the international body, had successfully resolved numerous global conflicts. “Sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them,” he declared, questioning the very purpose of the organization. His speech meandered into a series of complaints, including pointed attacks on his predecessor, Joseph R. Biden, and criticism of close NATO allies who have recognized a Palestinian state. He reiterated demands for the return of hostages in Gaza but notably omitted any mention of Israel’s military actions in Gaza City or his previous pledges for increased humanitarian aid to the embattled enclave, which faces accusations of genocide amidst a dire crisis. Trump also voiced strong opinions on immigration, claiming that countries were being “ruined” and criticizing London’s Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan. He threatened tariffs on Russia, contingent on Europe ceasing all oil and gas purchases, despite the ongoing nature of such trade throughout the conflict. Furthermore, Trump announced a new push for biological weapons convention enforcement and a call for a halt to nuclear weapons development, even as the U.S. itself modernizes its older arsenal. His long-standing grievances, including a past failed bid to renovate the UN building, resurfaced as he lamented that the UN “wasn’t there for us,” dismissing its efforts as mere “strongly worded letters” and “empty words.” His aspiration for a Nobel Peace Prize, based on his claims of resolving seven conflicts—a role often disputed—was also evident.
Earlier in the day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened the General Assembly with a stark warning about a dangerously chaotic world, emphasizing that the UN’s foundational principles were “under siege.” He painted a grim picture of “reckless disruption and relentless human suffering,” citing issues like invasions, the weaponization of hunger, the suppression of truth, and rising sea levels. Guterres reserved his strongest condemnation for the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, describing the humanitarian catastrophe as defying basic humanity and noting the unprecedented loss of UN staff. While acknowledging the world’s chaotic state, he expressed optimism that unity and diplomacy could still prevail. He underscored the UN’s value as a crucial global forum and urged leaders to preserve and strengthen its mission of multilateralism, human rights, development, and aid. Guterres, nearing the end of his tenure, is managing significant challenges, including a severe budget crisis and an ambitious restructuring plan (UN80), designed to streamline operations and cut spending. Despite a history of carefully navigating tensions with the Trump administration, Guterres expressed hope for forging a peacemaking partnership with Trump during their scheduled meeting, even as Trump’s renewed policies include more aggressive funding cuts to the UN. Guterres concluded his address with a defiant pledge: “For peace. For dignity. For justice. For humanity. I will never give up.”
Beyond the main speeches, other notable leaders scheduled to speak included President Emmanuel Macron of France, who recently led a conference on Palestinian statehood, and various Arab and Muslim leaders. Discussions were also anticipated on the UN’s budget, Palestinian statehood, potential UN Security Council sanctions on Iran over nuclear activities, and the need for global regulations for artificial intelligence. The UN Security Council was set to hold urgent sessions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, though past actions have been stymied by veto powers from Russia and the United States, respectively. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also scheduled to meet with Trump, seeking crucial aid and security guarantees for Ukraine, a persistent challenge given the U.S.’s halted weapons donations under the current administration. In a separate, yet relevant development, the Secret Service announced the seizure of a sophisticated illicit network of communication devices in the New York region, capable of disrupting cellular networks. While no direct threat to the General Assembly was confirmed, the discovery highlighted the intense security environment surrounding the event.