Donald Trump has criticised other countries' migration and climate policies during a scathing speech to the United Nations that also took aim at the body itself. He told the UN's General Assembly in New York it was time to end the 'failed experiment of open borders' and claimed UN predictions over climate change were wrong, prompting gasps from the assembly floor.
In a wide-ranging speech stretching to almost an hour, Trump also repeated claims to have stopped 'seven wars' since returning to the White House and accused the UN of failing to help him do so. He queried the UN's purpose, saying it was 'not living up to its potential'.
Though the reaction from delegates was largely muted, some were visibly squirming in their seats as the US president addressed the UN for the first time since he began his second term. Several could be seen shaking their heads as he denied climate change, calling it the 'greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world' and refuting the use of renewable energy.
Trump criticized UN assistance programs for asylum seekers, describing them as 'funding an assault on western countries,' while expressing concern over migration in Europe. Furthermore, he falsely claimed that London desired to adopt Sharia law and singled out the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, for ridicule, which prompted a strong rebuttal from Khan's spokesperson.
The former president also touched on ongoing conflicts, insisting a ceasefire is needed in Gaza while admonishing countries that recognize a Palestinian state, labeling that a 'reward' for Hamas. Regarding Ukraine, Trump expressed embarrassment that European nations continue to purchase Russian energy amidst the war.
After the address, Trump expressed his belief that the speech had been 'very well received'. He later met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss US support for the UN, despite acknowledging occasional disagreements. Trump is expected to engage with various world leaders, including Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelensky, in the upcoming days.}
In a wide-ranging speech stretching to almost an hour, Trump also repeated claims to have stopped 'seven wars' since returning to the White House and accused the UN of failing to help him do so. He queried the UN's purpose, saying it was 'not living up to its potential'.
Though the reaction from delegates was largely muted, some were visibly squirming in their seats as the US president addressed the UN for the first time since he began his second term. Several could be seen shaking their heads as he denied climate change, calling it the 'greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world' and refuting the use of renewable energy.
Trump criticized UN assistance programs for asylum seekers, describing them as 'funding an assault on western countries,' while expressing concern over migration in Europe. Furthermore, he falsely claimed that London desired to adopt Sharia law and singled out the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, for ridicule, which prompted a strong rebuttal from Khan's spokesperson.
The former president also touched on ongoing conflicts, insisting a ceasefire is needed in Gaza while admonishing countries that recognize a Palestinian state, labeling that a 'reward' for Hamas. Regarding Ukraine, Trump expressed embarrassment that European nations continue to purchase Russian energy amidst the war.
After the address, Trump expressed his belief that the speech had been 'very well received'. He later met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss US support for the UN, despite acknowledging occasional disagreements. Trump is expected to engage with various world leaders, including Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelensky, in the upcoming days.}
