US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on the United Nations during his address at the General Assembly on Tuesday, questioning its relevance, condemning its stance on refugees, and dismissing global climate initiatives as a “con job,” Stuff reported.
In a speech that spanned nearly an hour, Trump accused the UN of failing its mission, saying it offered “empty words” instead of solutions to war and conflict. “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up,” he told delegates, adding that the organisation had “tremendous potential” but was falling far short, reported Stuff.
The president denounced immigration from poorer nations to the United States and Europe, warning that countries risked being “overwhelmed by people they have never seen before, with different customs, religions, with different everything.” He also called for stronger protections for Christianity, describing it as “the most persecuted religion on the planet today,” as quoted by Stuff.
Trump’s remarks contrasted sharply with his 2018 UN appearance, when world leaders laughed after he claimed his administration had achieved more than almost any in US history. This time, the room was largely silent as he listed conflicts he said he had helped resolve, including disputes in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, though many of his claims were disputed.
Despite setbacks in Gaza and Ukraine, where peace efforts remain elusive, Trump styled himself as a global peacemaker. He highlighted nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize, including support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though critics noted his limited progress on high-profile conflicts.
The speech also underscored Trump’s confrontational approach to international institutions. His administration has withheld US$1 billion in UN funding, contributing to a financial crisis within the body. UN Secretary General António Guterres, speaking before Trump, warned that funding cuts to aid programmes were a “death sentence for many” and urged renewed commitment to multilateralism.
Trump’s appearance followed Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who criticised Western nations for their role in prolonging the Gaza conflict. While their positions diverged, Trump said he and Lula had a brief, cordial exchange and planned to meet next week.
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