Trump’s Speech at the UN General Assembly
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump delivered a sharp critique of international leaders during his address at the UN General Assembly, which took place just days after key US allies formally acknowledged the Palestinian state. He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Europe amid ongoing tensions stemming from the Russian invasion.
In a nearly hour-long speech, Trump briefly touched on the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and expressed frustration towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, much of his focus was directed at what he termed the “double-tailed monsters” of immigration and energy, claiming they would be detrimental to Europe. “Your country goes to hell,” he asserted, warning countries against what he called the “green energy scam.” He urged nations to abandon it to avoid failure.
Trump emphasized that the US is prepared to supply energy resources and suggested that countries consider purchasing American oil and gas. He criticized the Paris climate agreement and referred to the widely accepted scientific consensus on climate change as “the biggest fraudulent job in the world to date.”
Critique of UN Functionality
Throughout his speech, Trump took multiple jabs at the United Nations, lamenting issues with escalators and teleprompters that he claimed were malfunctioning. “I don’t mind giving this speech without a teleprompter because it’s not working,” he quipped, expressing relief that his wife, the First Lady, remained safe despite a faulty escalator incident during their visit.
The UN General Assembly President, Annalena Bearbock, responded, stating, “Don’t worry, we want to ensure that the UN teleprompters are fully functional.”
Meeting with Zelensky
Following his remarks, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Despite previously extending an invitation to Putin, Trump’s comments came amid ongoing aggression from Russia. In their conversation, Zelensky shared optimistic news from the battlefield and reiterated Ukraine’s determination to continue its fight until Russia ceases hostilities.
When the press inquired whether NATO countries should engage militarily by targeting Russian aircraft in their airspace, Trump affirmed, “Yes, I will,” although he noted that any US support for NATO would depend on situational factors.
The Gaza Crisis
Trump’s address also coincided with ongoing tensions in Gaza, particularly after a recent US-led airstrike in Qatar. He received applause for urging Hamas militants to free the remaining hostages taken during earlier attacks and criticized the recognition of a Palestinian state as a reward for “horrific atrocities.” This came after several nations, including France, joined over 150 others in acknowledging Palestinian statehood.
World leaders addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 65,000 deaths since last October. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that nothing justifies the plight of innocents in Gaza and criticized the international community’s indifference. “There are tens of thousands of innocent women and children buried under rubble,” he lamented.
Trump on Immigration Policies
During his address, Trump touted his domestic policies, advocating for massive deportations and the deployment of federal law enforcement to Democratic-led cities in the US. He articulated a strong stance on illegal immigration, stating, “If you come illegally to the US, you’re going to go to jail, or go back.” He acknowledged cooperation with the Salvadoran government in detaining criminals that have crossed into the US.
Relations with Brazil and Venezuela
Trump praised his strategy on global tariffs, claiming it helps protect sovereignty worldwide. He made a direct reference to Lula, suggesting Brazil’s progress hinges on collaboration with the US. This comes in light of his decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods following legal challenges faced by former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
He noted increased US military activity in the Caribbean, suggesting a focus on combatting drug smuggling. “If you say this, people don’t like to drink lots of drugs on boats anymore,” Trump remarked, referencing recent military actions targeting suspected smuggling vessels near Venezuela.
