Trump Attacks Migration, Climate Policies at UN General Assembly
Trump uses the General Assembly podium to criticize open borders, challenge climate policy consensus, and question the role of the United Nations while signaling hard-line U.S. stances on Ukraine and Gaza.
President Donald Trump delivered a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York that framed migration and climate policies in stark terms, arguing that it was time to end the failed experiment of open borders and questioning the United Nations ability to address global challenges.
With the address extending toward an hour, delegates largely offered a muted response, though several appeared uncomfortable as Trump asserted that he had stopped seven wars since returning to the White House and said the UN had not helped him achieve that outcome.
Trump challenged the scientific consensus on climate change, signaling a rejection of established climate policy and criticizing renewable energy as part of his broader critique of international policy.
On the global approach to migration, he denounced the globalist concept of asking successful industrialised nations to sacrifice themselves and disrupt their own societies. He argued that Western powers have a responsibility to help vulnerable communities but should not hollow out their own economies or social contracts. He added that Western countries have a big heart for places in need and that problems must be solved in the countries themselves rather than through foreign aid alone.
On asylum policy, Trump criticized UN support for migrants as effectively funding an assault on western countries by providing cash assistance, and he singled out Europe as being in serious trouble over migration. He argued for tougher border controls and for addressing the root causes of displacement in migrants’ home countries.
Addressing the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Trump said a ceasefire is needed in Gaza but warned against moves to recognize a Palestinian state, suggesting such recognition would amount to a reward for Hamas.
On energy geopolitics, he attacked European countries for purchasing oil and gas from Russia while opposing Moscow’s invasion, describing the situation as embarrassing for those nations and arguing that the war was making Russia look bad.
Following the speech, Trump was scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with a reception for more than 100 world leaders planned for Tuesday. The diplomatic itinerary reflected a focus on Ukraine and Middle East diplomacy as the administration seeks to shape ongoing conversations at the United Nations.
Observers noted that the address underscored the tension between U.S. policy positions and traditional UN diplomacy. The remarks fit into a broader U.S. political debate over how aggressively to pursue multilateral engagement on migration, climate, and security issues while managing domestic political pressures.