New York – U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a near hour-long speech at the United Nations General Assembly as the 8Oth UN General Assembly opened. The address, filled with sharp attacks on migration policies, climate change efforts, and the UN itself, drew a mix of muted applause, audible gasps, and widespread criticism from world leaders and commentators.
Opening with Defiance
Trump began his remarks joking about a broken teleprompter, insisting that speaking “from the heart” would better serve him. He declared the US was entering the “golden age of America” eight months into his second term, contrasting his leadership with what he described as “disasters” under his predecessor.
He touted stock market highs, sweeping tax cuts, deregulation, and strengthened border security as achievements. Trade deals with the UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf nations were framed as proof that “America is respected again, like it has never been respected before.”
Foreign Policy Claims and Conflicts
Trump claimed he had ended “seven unendable wars” involving Israel and Iran, Pakistan and India, Rwanda and the DRC, and others. He accused the UN of having “not even tried to help” resolve them, questioning the organisation’s relevance:
“It’s not even coming close to living up to its potential. Empty words don’t solve wars.”
BBC Verify noted, however, that many of these conflicts were short-lived flare-ups, and it remains unclear whether Trump’s interventions led to lasting peace.
On Iran, Trump revealed he ordered strikes on nuclear facilities earlier this year, saying:
“We did something that for 22 years people wanted to do.”
He warned Iran could not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, branding the nation “the world’s leading sponsor of terror.”
He also criticised European nations for buying Russian oil, calling it “funding the war against themselves” and urged NATO allies to “step it up.”
Migration and “Sharia Law” Comments
Trump’s most controversial remarks came when he turned to immigration, claiming:
“Europe is in serious trouble. Illegal aliens are pouring in, and they’re doing absolutely nothing about it.”
He singled out London Mayor Sadiq Khan, branding him a “terrible mayor” who “wants to go to Sharia law.” The comments were met with immediate pushback in the UK.
- A spokesperson from Khan’s office dismissed Trump’s words as “appalling and bigoted.”
- UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended Khan, saying he was focused on inclusion, safety, and improving London’s infrastructure.
- “Proud he’s our Mayor,” Streeting wrote on X.
Climate Change Denial and Global Gasps
On climate, Trump doubled down on denial, calling global warming “the greatest con job ever perpetrated in the world” and warning leaders to “get away from the green scam.”
His remarks prompted gasps across the UN chamber. Delegates shook their heads, whispered among themselves, and some audibly laughed. The overwhelming scientific consensus remains that climate change is real and human-driven.
Security, Drugs, and AI
Trump also announced the US would pioneer an AI system to verify biological weapons, though he provided no details.
On drug cartels, he claimed recent US strikes on Venezuelan vessels were a deterrent. Delegates from Venezuela, however, showed little reaction—one was seen scrolling his phone.
He also boasted that Washington, DC, was now “totally safe again” thanks to his deployment of the National Guard.
Closing with Immigration and Energy
After nearly 55 minutes, Trump concluded by returning to two themes he said were “defining issues for the world”: immigration and renewable energy.
“Countries that cherish freedom are fading fast because of their policies on these two subjects. You need strong borders and traditional energy sources if you are going to be great again,” he said.
He finished with an appeal for nations to “protect their borders, ensure their safety, preserve their cultures, treasure their traditions and fight, fight, fight for their precious dreams and cherished freedom.”
Global Response
The address left the chamber divided. Some leaders, including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, listened intently as Trump mentioned ongoing conflicts, while others squirmed, whispered, or shook their heads.
Outside the UN, the backlash was swift. London officials, UK ministers, and climate experts dismissed Trump’s remarks as dangerous, divisive, and out of step with global consensus.
