Trump's UN Speech Stirs Controversy Over Global Unity

In a fiery 56-minute speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump sharply criticized international cooperation, calling climate change a “hoax” and warning world leaders their immigration and energy policies are ruining their countries.

The address, met with polite but muted applause, echoed the isolationist tone of his first term, raising concerns about strained U.S. relations with allies.

Trump didn’t hold back on immigration, pointing to America’s tough border policies as a model for others. “I’m good at this,” he said with a smile, urging European nations to follow suit.

“Your countries are in trouble,” he added, claiming open borders and “bad energy policies” – a jab at green initiatives – could destroy Western Europe. He dismissed climate science, pushing for more fossil fuel use and calling environmental efforts a scam that hurts economies.

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Turning to the Ukraine war, Trump criticized allies for buying energy from Russia, accusing them of “funding their own conflict.” He threatened new tariffs on countries like India and China for trading with Russia, saying, “If Russia won’t negotiate peace, the U.S. is ready to act.” Earlier, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, promising support but suggesting NATO countries shoot down Russian jets entering their airspace. “I think they should,” he said when asked.

On the Middle East, Trump rejected Palestinian statehood, arguing it would reward “Hamas terrorists.” He called for an immediate Gaza ceasefire linked to hostage releases, saying, “We need peace now.” The remarks stirred unease in the assembly, reflecting his administration’s firm stance.

Trump also complained about a faulty UN escalator and teleprompter, joking about a near-accident involving first lady Melania Trump. Some of his claims didn’t hold up, like saying London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants “sharia law” or that U.S. inflation is fully under control, despite recent data showing mixed results.

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As Trump left to faint applause, diplomats whispered about rocky U.S.-global ties. Zelenskiy called their meeting “helpful,” but experts see Trump’s speech as a step back from global unity, with plans to limit UN asylum rights looming. The address left many wondering about America’s role in a tense world.