President Donald Trump delivered a broad and unapologetic address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, taking aim at some of the world’s most prominent leaders’ views on climate change, Ukraine, illegal immigration, and even Gaza.
Speaking without a working teleprompter, Trump criticized the U.N. for failing to end conflicts, claiming that his own administration had resolved several potential wars, while the organization offered little to no support. At times throughout the speech, world leaders appeared uncomfortable in the crowd, though the President’s mix of humor and blunt commentary also drew laughter from the room.
Trump dismissed climate change efforts as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” questioning green energy programs and a bigger hidden environmental agenda promoted by the U.N.
In terms of the war in Ukraine, Trump called out European leaders for continuing to buy Russian oil while supporting Ukraine, labeling the practice “embarrassing” and warning of future tariffs if the purchases did not stop. He also mentioned that the war would not have even started under his leadership, reiterating a commitment to find peace between the two countries.
Trump also condemned what he called uncontrolled migration, describing it as an “invasion” in Europe and further criticizing U.N.-funded programs he said supported the mass wave of illegal immigration.
In terms of Palestinian “statehood,” Trump rejected any official recognition efforts, calling them a “reward for Hamas,” while stressing the need for immediate peace and the release of any hostages. French President Emmanuel Macron responded that U.S. pressure on Israel would be key to achieving a resolution in the conflict.
“We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to immediately negotiate peace,” Trump said.
Throughout his general assembly speech, Trump portrayed the U.N. as ineffective and burdened by bureaucratic red tape, stating that it focuses too heavily on issuing strongly worded letters and undertaking expensive renovation projects, rather than addressing more pressing global issues.