It’s hard to overstate the radicality of former President Donald Trump’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly. He slammed countries that have already recognized Palestinian statehood. His comments obviously far exceeded the 15 minutes that was scheduled, reaching an incredible 56 minutes. In retelling this moment, he lamented many of the world’s problems and the inadequate progress of multilateral institutions.
The overarching theme of Trump’s address seemed to be a fear-based criticism of the international community. Above all, he called out nations that support the goal of Palestinian sovereignty. To do so, he claimed, only furthers the cycle of violence across the Middle East.
A Call to Action Against Palestinian Recognition
In his brief address, Trump specifically singled out for condemnation countries that have taken steps toward recognizing the statehood of Palestine. He argued that these punitive actions promote a culture of continuing violence and unrest across the area.
“As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body are seeking to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state.” – Donald Trump
He claimed that recognizing Palestine would embolden terrorism, “reward” groups such as Hamas. This designation would largely serve to compensate them for their career of violent terror, including the barbarities of the October 7 attacks. In stark contrast, Trump invited world leaders to join him in standing up against what he termed ransom demands from Hamas. He called it paramount that we should get hostages released, rather than submit to terror.
“This could have been solved so long ago. But instead of giving in to Hamas’s ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now.” – Donald Trump
Indeed, the very rhetoric released by Trump’s State Department signals an unmistakable intensity of opposition towards anything that might actually legitimize Palestinian statehood. Yet he frames these dreams as corrosive to the search for peace.
Criticism of Global Institutions and Climate Change
The former president was not afraid to use the forum to air his anti-establishment frustrations with world bodies, and he went after the United Nations in particular. He criticized the organization’s ineffectiveness in resolving international conflicts and accused it of lacking the necessary resolve to enforce peace.
“It’s too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them.” – Donald Trump
Moreover, Trump labeled climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” calling on world leaders to distance themselves from what he referred to as a “green scam.” Failure to heed this advice, he threatened, would produce cataclysmic results for their countries.
“You have to end it now. I can tell you, I’m really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell.” – Donald Trump
His comments reflect a broader skepticism toward international climate initiatives, which he believes detract from more pressing issues facing countries globally.
A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
Trump’s speech also touched upon his administration’s significant cuts to American foreign aid programs, which he claims could lead to severe humanitarian crises worldwide. Estimates indicate that these reductions have the potential to save up to 14 million lives in countries far from the United States.
As usual with Trump, he doubled down on his assertions that he will end the seven wars he’s fought in the White House. Even while taking backlash over his foreign policy moves, he’s built himself up as a peace broker.
Perhaps most important to world leaders was Trump’s announcement of his intended bilateral engagement with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and representatives from eight Muslim-majority countries. These latter conversations would give him a mighty platform. Here’s how he can use it to advance his vision for Middle Eastern peace and enhance U.S. foreign relations.
“There is no other country even close.” – Donald Trump
His claim draws out his American exceptionalism roots and how that plays a role in America’s place on the world stage.
