President Donald Trump delivered a stinging rebuke to the United Nations during the 80th General Assembly on Tuesday. In a speech marked by bold criticism, Trump accused the U.N. of failing to effectively address immigration and global conflicts. The assembly, convened at the U.N. headquarters, became a stage for Trump to contrast the U.N.'s inaction with his administration's policies.
Trump's critique was particularly harsh on the U.N.'s financial assistance to immigrants entering the United States illegally. He cited a figure of $374 million in cash aid given to about 624,000 illegal immigrants in 2024, alongside other forms of support such as food, transportation, and debit cards. Labeling this assistance as a violation of U.S. sovereignty, Trump framed the issue within the broader context of immigration during the Biden administration, claiming a significant uptick in border crossings.
The former president also took aim at the U.N.'s handling of global crises, naming conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. He pointed fingers at China and India for perpetuating the Ukraine conflict through energy purchases and threatened tariffs on European nations not aligning with his stance. On Iran, Trump maintained his hardline approach, reiterating the importance of preventing the country from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Despite technical difficulties with the teleprompter and a broken escalator, Trump maintained a confrontational tone, emphasizing action over "empty words" and urging the U.N. to take concrete steps. The address highlighted Trump's commitment to U.S. sovereignty, border security, and his America-first foreign policy philosophy.
Highlighting security concerns, it was reported that the U.S. Secret Service had thwarted an electronic threat at the U.N. This involved SIM cards capable of activating 100,000 cell phones, which were being investigated to ensure delegates' safety.
Yet, Trump's visit wasn't solely critical. He met with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, affirming the U.S.'s support for the U.N. while advocating for reforms. Trump also engaged in discussions with leaders from several nations, including a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, showcasing his diplomatic efforts alongside his criticisms.
Throughout his address, Trump stressed accountability, linking U.N. funding to consequences at the southern U.S. border and global conflicts. He positioned his criticism within the framework of national security and fiscal responsibility, continuing his narrative of prioritizing American interests in foreign policy matters.
