In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blistering critique of the international body, European policies, and global multilateralism. Trump, known for his unorthodox approach to diplomacy, used the platform to reaffirm his nationalist ideology, which he termed ‘Trumpism unplugged’ by supporters and ‘Trumpism unhinged’ by critics. His nearly hour-long speech began with self-praise, claiming credit for a ‘golden age’ in the U.S. and asserting that he had ended seven wars, a claim he believes warrants a Nobel Peace Prize. However, the bulk of his speech targeted the UN, which he accused of failing to fulfill its potential and resorting to ’empty words’ rather than tangible action. Trump also criticized the organization for its support of asylum seekers, accusing it of facilitating ‘invasions’ rather than preventing them. He even took aim at the UN’s infrastructure, citing a broken escalator and teleprompter as symbols of its inefficiency. Trump’s broader critique extended to Europe, which he accused of being ‘devastated’ by immigration and renewable energy policies. He labeled climate change a ‘con job’ and warned European nations against adopting ‘suicidal’ green energy initiatives. His remarks echoed his earlier comments during a state visit to the U.K., where he emphasized the need to protect the ‘English-speaking world’ and Judeo-Christian heritage. On Ukraine, Trump issued a rare warning to Russia, calling its actions in the conflict detrimental to its global image. He also hinted at potential tariffs but shifted blame to European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy. While his speech was met with silence, Trump’s subsequent social media post suggested optimism about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its territory, though he notably omitted any mention of U.S. military support. The address underscored Trump’s disdain for multilateralism and his belief in the supremacy of nation-states, leaving little room for compromise or collective solutions.
Seven years ago Trump’s UN audience laughed, this year they were silent
