Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a speech that was as provocative as it was polarizing, former President Donald Trump returned to the global stage at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, launching a sweeping critique of the international body, world leaders, and major global policies ranging from migration to climate change and the war in Ukraine.
Over the course of a combative hourlong address, Trump positioned himself as a defiant outsider and unapologetic nationalist, sharply contrasting his foreign policy approach with that of his predecessor, President Joe Biden, while also questioning the effectiveness of the United Nations itself.
“One year ago, our country was in deep trouble,” Trump said, opening his remarks. “But today, just eight months into my administration, we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world, and there is no other country even close.”
Touting what he described as American strength militarily, diplomatically, and economically, Trump used the international platform to deliver a sweeping indictment of the U.N. and its member states. He accused the institution of failing to act decisively in global crises and criticized it for producing what he called “empty words” instead of solutions.
“What is the purpose of the United Nations?” Trump asked rhetorically. “It has such tremendous, tremendous potential. But it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential.”
Targeting Global Conflicts and Leaders
Trump claimed credit for reducing international hostilities during his first term, portraying himself as a peacemaker who was overlooked for accolades.
“Everyone says I should get the Nobel Peace Prize for each one of these achievements,” he said. “But for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who lived to grow up with their mothers and fathers, because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless and inglorious wars.”
Turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump threatened a new round of economic sanctions on Russia but emphasized that European nations must take more decisive action to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
“Europe has to step it up,” he said. “They’re buying oil and gas from Russia while they’re fighting Russia. It’s embarrassing to them.”
He also took aim at China and India, accusing both of undermining efforts to isolate Russia by continuing to purchase Russian oil suggesting that such actions were indirectly financing the war in Ukraine.
Harsh Words on Migration and Climate Policy
One of the most charged moments in Trump’s speech came when he condemned the global response to migration, calling it the “No. 1 political issue of our time.” He accused the U.N. of exacerbating the crisis and warned world leaders that failing to act would lead to the downfall of their nations.
“Not only is the U.N. not solving the problems it should, too often it’s actually creating new problems for us to solve,” he said. “Your countries are going to hell.”
He also lambasted international efforts to combat climate change, referring to environmental policies as a “green scam” and denouncing the Paris Agreement, from which he had previously withdrawn the U.S. during his first term.
“If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail,” Trump warned.
On Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian Statehood
Addressing the escalating violence in the Middle East, Trump called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and criticized countries moving toward the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
“Now, as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state,” Trump said. “The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities.”
While offering no specific roadmap to ending the war in Gaza, he urged a unified message from the international community: “Those who want peace should be united with one message—release the hostages now.”
Military Action Against Drug Cartels
Trump also used his speech to underscore his administration’s military action against narcoterrorism, particularly in Venezuela. He described a recent series of airstrikes targeting drug traffickers linked to the regime of Nicolás Maduro, a move that has raised questions among legal scholars about the precedent of using military force against criminal enterprises.
“To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned: we will blow you out of existence. That’s what we’re doing,” he declared.
A Shift in Tone Behind Closed Doors
Despite the aggressive public posture, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone during a closed-door bilateral meeting with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres later in the day.
“Our country is behind the United Nations 100%,” Trump said, in stark contrast to his earlier criticism. “I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great.”
The juxtaposition of fiery rhetoric in front of world leaders and more diplomatic language behind closed doors highlights Trump’s complex relationship with the global body. While often critical of multilateralism, he also seeks to shape it on his own terms.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s return to the U.N. podium amid his ongoing campaign for a second non-consecutive term, signals a continuation of his “America First” approach to foreign policy. But his speech also raised questions about how the U.S. would engage with global institutions under another Trump administration: confrontational or cooperative, skeptical or supportive?
For now, the world is left to parse his message and weigh whether it marks a reassertion of American leadership, or a retreat from the international order it helped build.
