Trump Blasts UN in Fiery General Assembly Speech/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump criticized the United Nations for falling short of its mission during his speech at the 2025 General Assembly. Highlighting U.S. military actions, withdrawal from UN agencies, and failed peace efforts, Trump contrasted his “America First” approach with what he called the UN’s empty words. Gaza, Ukraine, and global instability loomed large throughout his address.
Trump’s UN Address 2025 Quick Looks
- Trump told world leaders the UN is “not even coming close” to fulfilling its mission.
- He cited U.S. military strikes on Iran and Venezuela as successes in promoting peace.
- Reiterated opposition to Palestinian statehood, calling it a “reward for terrorism.”
- Criticized globalists and multilateral institutions for failing to resolve world conflicts.
- Highlighted U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and Human Rights Council in early 2025.
- Scheduled private meetings with leaders from Ukraine, the EU, and Middle East powers.
- Pitched new tariffs to end Russia’s war in Ukraine; called on Europe to stop oil imports.
- Reasserted his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, claiming he “ended seven wars.”
Deep Look:
Trump Returns to UN, Rips World Body as Ineffective and Boasts of Second-Term Foreign Policy Actions
UNITED NATIONS — In a blistering address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Donald Trump denounced the world body as failing its global mandate and claimed it is “not even coming close to living up to its potential.” The speech marked Trump’s first return to the UN since reclaiming the presidency and came amid rising global tension and criticism of his aggressive foreign policy.
Before a packed assembly of world leaders and diplomats, Trump gave a characteristically combative speech, laced with grievances about multilateralism and calls for a world order that puts national sovereignty above international cooperation.
“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump asked. “I’ve always said it has tremendous, tremendous potential — but it’s nowhere near living up to that potential. Empty words don’t stop wars. Action does.”
Cutting Ties, Cutting Budgets
Since returning to office, Trump has rapidly scaled back U.S. participation in several UN initiatives. On his first day back in the White House, he issued an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization, following it with the exit from the UN Human Rights Council, and a sweeping review of all U.S. involvement in multilateral bodies. He argued those organizations conflict with his “America First” agenda.
Global Chaos and Jarring Contrasts
Trump used his speech to present himself as a peacemaker while simultaneously justifying military actions, including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June and recent deadly strikes on Venezuelan boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
These actions have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and U.S. lawmakers, who argue that extrajudicial killings circumvent both U.S. law and international norms.
But Trump dismissed those criticisms. “We don’t wait for global permission to defend our people,” he said. “We lead by strength, not bureaucracy.”
Trump’s War on Globalism
Returning to one of his favorite themes, Trump lashed out at “globalists,” accusing them of weakening national sovereignty and failing to protect their citizens. He warned that multilateralism was turning powerful nations into “submissive shells,” and repeated his calls for countries to prioritize national interests over international treaties.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, addressing the chamber before Trump’s speech, offered a contrasting vision: “Yes, we face challenges. But if we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail.”
Meetings Behind the Scenes
Following his speech, Trump held private meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and top European Union leaders. He also convened a group meeting with representatives from key Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, the UAE, Jordan, and Pakistan.
He capped the day by hosting a reception for over 100 world leaders.
Gaza and Ukraine Dominate the Agenda
Despite his claims of peacemaking, Trump has so far failed to resolve the two most pressing global conflicts: the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
His speech came just one day after France formally recognized Palestinian statehood at the UN, joining a growing list of countries backing a two-state solution. The move was the centerpiece of a high-level meeting co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
Trump strongly criticized the campaign for Palestinian recognition.
“This would be a reward for the terrorists of Hamas,” Trump said. “These people committed atrocities on October 7, and they should not be legitimized.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s attempt to broker peace in Ukraine has also faltered. Despite hosting a summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin and later meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump has not secured any progress. Since the summit, Russia has intensified its attacks, and Putin has shown no interest in direct talks with Ukraine.
Trump Pressures Europe on Russia
Trump turned his focus to Europe’s economic ties with Russia, arguing that European energy dependence continues to fund the war.
“Europe must stop buying Russian oil,” he said. “We are preparing a very strong round of powerful tariffs — the kind that stop bloodshed quickly.”
Some Republican lawmakers have supported tougher sanctions, but others remain skeptical of new tariffs as a tool for peace.
The Nobel Prize Dream
Trump also renewed his long-standing desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming he had “ended seven wars” since returning to the presidency.
He named multiple global hotspots where his administration played a mediating role, including:
- Israel and Iran
- India and Pakistan
- Egypt and Sudan
- Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo
- Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Cambodia and Thailand
“Too bad I had to do these things,” he said, “instead of the United Nations doing them. In all cases, the UN didn’t even try.”
Fact-Check and Context
While Trump did engage in diplomacy and facilitated ceasefires in some regions, foreign policy experts note that many of the conflicts cited were already de-escalating or temporarily dormant before U.S. intervention. In other cases, such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, hostilities resumed shortly after talks.
Still, Trump’s assertive framing has resonated with parts of the international community that favor strong national leadership over what they see as ineffective global cooperation.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.