Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in his reception on the global stage. Once met with mocking laughter during his initial term, Trump is now being actively courted by world leaders, reflecting his perceived role as an “avatar of a changing world order” that challenges established global institutions.
Shifting Global Dynamics
Seven years after his first address, the skepticism and open derision from foreign counterparts have been replaced by efforts to flatter and engage with Trump. He is widely seen as a leader who has fundamentally reshaped global arrangements on trade and security, effectively diminishing the post-World War II international system.
While the full impact of his strategies is still unfolding, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine persist, despite his past promises for swift resolutions. His approach, which prioritizes close personal relationships over collective action, has yielded limited progress in these areas.
Diplomatic Engagements and Achievements
Trump has often highlighted his efforts to mediate peace, notably receiving credit for his role in resolving a conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. His involvement in other negotiations, such as between India and Pakistan, remains a subject of debate. Trump has consistently expressed his belief that his diplomatic endeavors warrant a Nobel Peace Prize, citing successes where traditional UN efforts have reportedly fallen short.
Following his speech on Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet with several foreign leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA meetings, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Last week, Trump suggested that Zelensky should agree to a peace deal with Russia.
Speech Focus and Institutional Critique
In his prepared remarks, Trump plans to emphasize the effectiveness of his approach on global issues like migration and trade, while also questioning the very relevance of the United Nations itself. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that President Trump will deliver a major speech “touting the renewal of American strength around the world, his historic accomplishments in just eight months, including the ending of seven global wars and conflicts.”
Leavitt added that President Trump “will also touch upon how globalist institutions have significantly decayed the world order, and he will articulate his straightforward and constructive vision for the world.”
Trump’s Stance on the UN
Trump has long expressed reservations about the UN. Even before his presidency, he criticized the General Assembly’s marble and was reportedly displeased when his offers to renovate the headquarters were declined. A decade prior, diplomats objected to his plans for Trump World Tower due to concerns about its shadow on the UN complex.
During his time in office, Trump’s influence on the UN has been substantial. The United States has significantly reduced its financial contributions to the institution, halting payments toward the UN budget and cutting funding for foreign humanitarian aid and peacekeeping operations, thereby straining the organization financially.
President Trump signed a measure withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council, stating, “I’ve always felt that the UN has tremendous potential. It’s not living up to that potential right now.” The US also withdrew from UNESCO, citing its support for “woke, divisive cultural and social causes,” and from the World Health Organization due to its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Security Council and Regional Conflicts
On the UN Security Council, the United States has occasionally aligned with adversaries rather than traditional allies. For instance, in February, the US joined Russia and China in backing a Ukraine resolution that did not assign blame to Moscow for the conflict, with five European nations abstaining.
Trump also finds himself at odds with more than half of the UN member nations, including key allies, over Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza and the potential for establishing a Palestinian state. The US is not participating in a two-state solution conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, which is supported by nearly 150 of the 193 UN Member States.
On Tuesday, President Trump is scheduled to host leaders from several Muslim-majority nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, for multilateral discussions focused on the Gaza conflict.
Trump administration officials and other Republicans have consistently argued that the UN is increasingly hostile toward Israel, poorly managed, and plagued by financial mismanagement. They also question the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
In a notable move, Trump did not appoint an ambassador to the UN for eight months. His onetime national security adviser Mike Waltz was confirmed to the position last Friday, subsequently posting “Make the UN Great Again” on social media.
Upcoming Bilateral Meetings
Beyond the Gaza discussions, President Trump’s UNGA schedule includes meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who advocates for new sanctions on Russia, and Argentinian President Javier Milei, a close ally who shares some of his political views. He will also meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, a standard practice for American presidents attending the annual gathering.
Recalling Past UN Appearances
Trump’s first-term speeches to the UN were often delivered from a teleprompter, though they included distinct moments, such as labeling Kim Jong Un “rocket man” and threatening to “totally destroy North Korea.” A memorable instance occurred in 2018 when his claim that his “administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country” was met with laughter, which he acknowledged by saying, “I didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s OK.”
