NEW YORK — U.S. President Donald Trump castigated the United Nations on Tuesday as a “feckless institution” in a grievance-filled, self-congratulatory speech to the General Assembly that mixed sharp criticism of allies with boasts of his second-term record.
In his roughly hourlong address, Trump praised America’s direction under his leadership while warning that Europe would be “ruined” if it continued pursuing what he called a “double-tailed monster” of liberal migration policies and costly green energy projects.
He accused the U.N. of being full of “empty words” that fail to resolve wars, yet later told Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the U.S. remained “100%” behind the organization’s peacekeeping potential.
The president’s remarks underscored Washington’s return to an unapologetic “America First” posture, with sharp critiques of U.S. allies and the global body itself.
Trump lauded expanded U.S. drilling and tougher immigration controls, urging other countries to follow suit.
He warned European nations against what he called the “green energy scam,” claiming it would devastate their economies and societies.
On Ukraine, Trump shifted tone dramatically after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he now believes Kyiv, with NATO support, could retake all occupied territory.
The reversal marked his strongest endorsement yet of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.
Trump emphasized his role as a global mediator, pointing to U.S. efforts to ease conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
He repeated his claim that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, though experts dispute the extent of his impact.
Breaking from prepared remarks, Trump mocked a broken escalator and teleprompter at U.N. headquarters, drawing laughter from delegates.
He closed by declaring that his “real prize” would be saving lives by ending wars, not international accolades.
Despite fiery rhetoric, Trump sought to balance his attacks with assurances of U.S. commitment, leaving diplomats to parse an address that veered between confrontation and conciliation. — Agencies
