By The White House
UNITED NATIONS — In a combative address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump delivered a sweeping rebuke of the world body, railing against climate change policies, immigration, and NATO allies, while insisting his leadership had ended wars without support from the UN.
The 56-minute speech marked a return to Trump’s confrontational style on the world stage, echoing his first term’s sharp criticism of the United Nations.
Trump Questions UN’s Purpose
Speaking before world leaders, Trump accused the UN of failing to live up to its potential, calling its actions “empty words.”
“What is the purpose of the United Nations? The UN has such tremendous potential … but it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential,” he said. “All they seem to do is write a strongly worded letter and then never follow it up. Empty words don’t solve war. The only thing that solves wars is action.”
Trump also complained that the UN had not recognized his claimed role in resolving international conflicts. “I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help,” he said.
Softer Tone Behind Closed Doors
Despite his fiery rhetoric, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone in a private meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Our country is behind the United Nations 100 percent. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it,” Trump said.
The speech also featured moments of levity, with Trump joking about an escalator malfunction and a faulty teleprompter in the General Assembly hall. “Whoever’s operating this teleprompter is in big trouble,” he quipped. A UN official later clarified that the White House was responsible for the teleprompter.
Climate Change Dismissed as a “Con Job”
Much of Trump’s speech focused on two recurring themes: climate change and immigration.
The president rejected the scientific consensus on global warming, calling climate change a “con job” and carbon footprints “a hoax made up by people with evil intentions.” He mocked renewable energy as “a joke” and specifically derided wind technology as “pathetic.”
“We’re getting rid of the falsely named renewables … they’re too expensive, they don’t work,” he declared, boasting of his administration’s push to expand drilling for oil, gas, and coal.
Harsh Words on Immigration and Europe
Turning to immigration, Trump said Western nations were “going to hell” because of what he described as reckless migration policies. He held up his own administration’s strict border measures as a model for other leaders, claiming mass migration was “altering the fabric of nations.”
He further criticized NATO allies for continuing to purchase Russian oil, accusing them of “funding the war against themselves.” If Russia refused to end its war in Ukraine, Trump said, the US was ready to impose a “very strong round of powerful tariffs.”
Backlash From Scientists and Leaders
Trump’s remarks on climate change drew sharp criticism from experts and world leaders.
“President Trump and his administration continue to spew lies and disinformation about climate science and the overwhelming benefits of clean energy, a grave disservice to the American people,” said Rachel Cleetus of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“Climate change is here, it’s costly, and people need real solutions — not propaganda designed to boost the profits of fossil fuel polluters,” she added.
Outlook
While Trump sought to cast himself as a peacemaker, his remarks reignited tensions with allies, scientists, and international organizations. His speech, filled with grievances and warnings, underscored the deep divides between his administration’s policies and global consensus on climate and migration.
About the Author
