New York: US President Donald Trump used his address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly to outline an uncompromising vision of U.S. foreign policy, distancing Washington further from multilateral institutions and reiterating his nationalist “America First” approach.
Speaking before world leaders in New York, Trump criticized the United Nations as corrupt and ineffective, blaming it for global inefficiencies. He called on countries to close their borders and expel foreigners, claiming migration was “ruining nations.” He also dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” attacking renewable energy investments and accusing European countries of damaging their economies with carbon reduction policies.
The president’s remarks were delivered against the backdrop of growing global crises, including ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and expressed support for Ukraine reclaiming all territory lost to Russia. In a notable shift, he endorsed NATO countries shooting down Russian aircraft violating their airspace, signaling a tougher line toward Moscow.
On the Middle East, Trump rejected international efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood, instead demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas and reaffirming U.S. alignment with Israel. His stance drew criticism from many nations who have increased support for Palestinian recognition amid the Gaza conflict.
Trump’s second term has already seen sweeping cuts to U.S. foreign aid and the suspension of payments to the U.N. regular budget, moves that have forced staffing reductions and financial strain within U.N. agencies. Washington has also confirmed its withdrawal from UNESCO and the World Health Organization, underscoring a dramatic break from decades of U.S. engagement with multilateral institutions.
Despite his harsh critique, Trump told Secretary-General António Guterres that he supported the United Nations “100 percent,” although he emphasized that cooperation would only occur when it suited U.S. interests.
The speech, which was marred by a stalled escalator and a teleprompter malfunction, drew sharp reactions from world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron defended multilateralism and warned against domination through power alone, while Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used his own address to stress the importance of democratic values and collective global action.
Trump’s message highlighted the shifting role of the United States in global affairs: willing to assert itself forcefully on issues like migration and sovereignty, but increasingly isolated on climate change, international cooperation, and conflict resolution.