Former President Trump delivered a contentious, hour-long speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, lambasting the organization as ineffective and lecturing its member nations on their perceived failings. Throughout his address, Trump showcased familiar grievances and made a number of unsubstantiated claims, painting himself as the sole figure capable of resolving global crises. “I’m really good at this stuff,” he asserted, adding, “Your countries are going to hell.”
As the General Assembly marked its 80th anniversary amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, Trump claimed to have personally resolved various international disputes, contrasting his alleged successes with the U.N.’s inaction. “Sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them,” he declared.
Deviating frequently from his prepared remarks, Trump warned of a “double-headed monster” encompassing illegal migration and the global shift towards renewable energy. He controversially labeled climate change the “greatest con job” in history, suggesting environmentalists aimed to “kill all the cows.” His speech also included personal insults directed at the Muslim mayor of London and a false assertion that Muslims in Western nations planned to implement Shariah law.
While taking credit for de-escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, brokering agreements between Cambodia and Thailand, and facilitating a declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Trump reiterated his blame of predecessor Joseph R. Biden, for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict he described as intractable. He also accused China and India of indirectly funding the Ukraine war by purchasing Russian oil. Trump threatened further tariffs on Russia and its oil clients unless Moscow agreed to a ceasefire, insisting that Europe must also cease all purchases of Russian energy.
Beyond critiquing Biden, Trump targeted other political adversaries and close NATO allies that have recognized a Palestinian state. He reiterated calls for the release of hostages from Gaza, yet did not address Israel’s military actions in Gaza City or previous pledges regarding humanitarian aid for the enclave, where Israel’s blockade has led to accusations of genocide.
Highlights from the day’s proceedings:
- In his opening remarks, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres painted a grim picture of a “reckless disruption and relentless human suffering” engulfing the world, emphasizing that the U.N.’s foundational principles were “under siege.” He expressed hope that unity and diplomacy could still bring stability, a sentiment sharply contrasted by Trump’s immediate dismissal of climate change as a “hoax” – a priority Guterres has championed.
- Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, delivered a pointed address that seemed aimed at Trump’s high tariffs against Brazil and his demands regarding the criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. Despite this, Trump later indicated a willingness to meet with Lula the following week.
- Other prominent speakers included French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently convened a conference focused on Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution; Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani; Jordan’s King Abdullah II; and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- The U.N. Security Council was scheduled to hold urgent, back-to-back sessions on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, with numerous foreign ministers present. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also expected to address the Council and meet with Trump. The Council has notably been stalemated on both conflicts, with Russia using its veto power regarding Ukraine and the United States doing so in support of Israel.