Former President Donald Trump’s complete return to type at the United Nations General Assembly hall September 25. After a six-year absence, his shambolic performance included a remarkable and unprecedented scathing critique of the international organization. In his speech, Trump described the UN as a “feckless, corrupt, and pernicious global force” that fails to fulfill its potential in promoting peace and cooperation among nations.
Here’s the reality behind a dozen of the real estate mogul’s most outrageous claims. He urged countries to seal their borders and deport non-nationals, claiming these measures are necessary for public safety. He argued that if we continued unchecked immigration, it would spell the end of great nations.
“If you don’t stop people that you’ve never seen before, that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail,” – Donald Trump
The ex president isn’t kidding in his conviction that the UN ought to start following his example. He asserted that the nonprofit has lost its way and strayed from its founding purpose. He expressed disappointment in the organization’s response to global crises, stating, “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up.”
Among other things, the Donald Trump speech introduced a revival of protectionism in the form of international trade and tariffs. He doubled down on going hard with tariffs on Russia to deter its attack on Ukraine with a direct pivot towards a broader trade war. He called on European countries to stop buying Russian energy products themselves to bolster these efforts.
He strongly criticized the continuing violence in the Middle East and the lack of movement toward Palestinian statehood. Trump criticized the UN’s discussions surrounding the recognition of a Palestinian state, stating, “Now, as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities.”
In a notable moment during his speech, Trump conveyed his views on climate change, labeling it as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” He derided efforts to diversify energy sources, calling out renewable projects like wind farms for being “useless.” He similarly derided the global Paris climate agreement, withdrawing the U.S. from the accord while in office.
“It’s the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, in my opinion, climate change,” – Donald Trump
Adding to the fear Trump’s comments created, they focused on security and dangerous biological weapons. Last month, he announced a new domestic initiative to prevent the use of biological weapons in the U.S. This new initiative will use artificial intelligence to make it more efficient and effective.
During his presidency, Trump regularly lambasted world leaders and international organizations. He commended El Salvador for its bold leadership, with President Nayib Bukele taking a lead on digital currency.
As he wrapped up his speech, having promised great devastation for enemies elsewhere, Trump articulated something I’m not sure any U.S. president ever has.
“We just can’t ever use them. If we ever use them, the world literally might come to an end,” – Donald Trump
Trump also personally attacked London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, labeling him a “bad mayor.” He did a lot of complaining about the city’s transformation, which in his opinion has hurt Richmond.
“I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed.” – Donald Trump
Throughout his speech, Trump maintained a combative tone towards the UN and its member nations while reinforcing his commitment to American interests. He concluded by acknowledging his often-public criticisms of the Advocacy Advance and the organization. In spite of everything though, he is a passionate believer in its power to bring peace.
“Our country is behind the United Nations 100%, I may disagree with it sometimes but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great.” – Donald Trump