U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the world stage with a blistering attack on the United Nations, accusing the global body of failing to deliver peace, fueling illegal migration, and wasting resources.
In his first address to the UN General Assembly since his White House comeback, Trump dismissed the institution as little more than a forum for “empty words.”
“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” he asked. “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter. Empty words don’t solve wars.”
The 79-year-old leader mocked the UN headquarters itself, complaining about a malfunctioning escalator and teleprompter. “These are the two things I got from the United Nations — a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” he quipped.
Climate Change and Migration: Trump’s Harshest Attacks
Trump reignited his long-standing skepticism about global climate efforts, branding the climate crisis “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
He reserved some of his strongest words for migration, accusing the UN of “funding an assault” on Western countries through policies that promote open borders.
“It’s time to end the failed experiment of open borders,” he declared. “Your countries are going to hell.” He singled out London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, the first Muslim mayor of a Western capital, for criticism.
On Wars and Foreign Policy
Touting what he described as his success in ending “seven wars,” Trump nonetheless acknowledged two unresolved crises: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s conflict in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.
He blasted U.S. allies for recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it a “reward” for Hamas’ “horrible atrocities,” and demanded the release of hostages as a precondition for peace.
While warning European allies, China, and India over oil purchases from Russia, Trump remained notably restrained in his criticism of Moscow, even as he said Washington was prepared to impose new sanctions. Last week, he admitted Russian President Vladimir Putin had “really let me down.”
Guterres Warns of U.S. Isolation
Opening the summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned against U.S.-led aid cuts, saying they were “wreaking havoc” globally. “What kind of world will we choose?” he asked. “A world of raw power—or a world of laws?”
Trump’s second term has already been marked by nationalist policies, including plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization and the UN climate accord, slashing U.S. development aid, and imposing sanctions on foreign judges over sovereignty disputes.
Meetings and Security Scare
Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following his controversial August 15 summit in Alaska with Putin, which eased Russia’s diplomatic isolation but produced no breakthrough.
He will also hold talks with Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a right-wing ally, as Washington considers extending an economic lifeline to Buenos Aires.
Ahead of Trump’s arrival in New York, security was tightened across the UN district.
The U.S. Secret Service revealed it had foiled a telecommunications disruption plot involving a “weaponized farm” of more than 100,000 cellphone SIM cards capable of crippling communications around the UN. Investigators linked the devices to “nation-state threat actors.”
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