Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
He also called climate change a “Con Job” and encouraged nations to drill for more oil.
He also called climate change a “Con Job” and encouraged nations to drill for more oil.
What is happening?
In a 56-minute speech to the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a broadside against global institutions and world leaders.
He criticized the UN itself, rejected climate change policies, and took aim at immigration.
While polite applause followed his address, his rhetoric marked a sharp return to the combative tone that defined his first term in office.
Anti-immigration message takes center stage
Trump centered much of his address on a familiar theme: curbing global migration.
Pointing to U.S. policies as a model, he urged other nations to follow suit.
“I’m really good at this stuff,” he declared. “Your countries are going to hell.”
While human rights groups argue migrants are fleeing hardship in search of better lives, Trump portrayed immigration as a threat to national identity.
Climate change dismissed as a “Con Job”
Despite having recently met with King Charles—an outspoken advocate for climate action—Trump doubled down on his skepticism.
He described climate change as a “con job” and advocated for a return to fossil fuels.
“Immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe,” he claimed, contradicting scientific consensus on the human causes of global warming.
Push to narrow asylum rights globally
The Trump administration plans to push for a dramatic rollback of asylum rights at the UN later this month.
The move seeks to dismantle post-WWII protections for those fleeing persecution.
Critics say this represents a retreat from international humanitarian commitments; supporters argue it’s about securing national borders.
False claims and fact-checks
Trump’s speech included a number of inaccurate or misleading statements.
He falsely claimed that London Mayor Sadiq Khan wanted to impose “sharia law” in the UK and wrongly declared that U.S. inflation had been defeated—just days after the Federal Reserve noted an increase.
Harsh words for NATO allies
Despite recent efforts at unity during a NATO summit, Trump criticized European nations for continuing to buy Russian oil.
“They’re funding the war against themselves,” he said.
He promised strong new tariffs against Russia but insisted they would only be effective if European nations joined the U.S. in imposing identical economic measures.
Threat of broader sanctions against Russia’s partners
Though Trump didn’t spell out the details, he hinted at sanctions targeting countries that continue doing business with Russia—including India and China.
Within Europe, Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey remain among the primary buyers of Russian oil.
Trump’s message to them was clear: fall in line or face consequences.
Meeting with Zelenskiy and support for NATO air defenses
Later in the day, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss ongoing Russian aggression.
When asked whether NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate airspace, Trump replied,
“Yes, I do.”
On Gaza: Hostages first, then peace
Trump rejected global efforts to recognize a Palestinian state amid the Gaza conflict, aligning with Israeli concerns.
“The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists,” he said, reiterating demands for the return of all hostages.
He called for an immediate ceasefire tied to hostage negotiations and was set to discuss Gaza’s future with Gulf leaders later that day.
UN criticism turns personal
Trump closed his speech with jabs at the UN’s logistics.
He recounted how a broken escalator briefly stranded him and Melania Trump, and how a faulty teleprompter disrupted his delivery.
“These are the two things I got from the United Nations—a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” he joked, noting that Melania nearly fell.
The moment was met with mixed reactions.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
