Trump Critiques UN, Labels Climate Initiatives a “Con Job”

US President Donald Trump delivered a critical address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2023, where he questioned the organization’s relevance and dismissed its climate initiatives as a “con job.” The nearly hour-long speech highlighted Trump’s discontent with the UN’s effectiveness, particularly regarding its handling of global conflicts and refugee situations.

Trump asserted that the UN has strayed from its mission, suggesting it provides “empty words” rather than actionable solutions to pressing issues. He remarked, “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up.” He emphasized that while the UN possesses “tremendous potential,” it is failing to deliver on its promises.

The president also expressed concerns about immigration from poorer nations, warning that countries in the United States and Europe risk being “overwhelmed by people they have never seen before, with different customs, religions, with different everything.” In a notable segment of his speech, Trump called for greater protections for Christianity, labeling it as “the most persecuted religion on the planet today.”

This address marked a significant contrast to Trump’s 2018 appearance at the UN, when his claims of unprecedented achievements for his administration drew laughter from world leaders. On this occasion, however, the audience remained largely silent as he recounted his contributions to resolving conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, despite many of his assertions facing skepticism.

Despite ongoing challenges in places like Gaza and Ukraine, where diplomatic efforts have struggled, Trump presented himself as a global peacemaker. He highlighted his nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize, which included endorsements from figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics, however, pointed out that his record on resolving high-profile international conflicts remains limited.

Trump’s confrontational rhetoric underscored his administration’s contentious relationship with international institutions. His government has withheld US$1 billion in funding from the UN, contributing to its financial difficulties. In contrast, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had earlier expressed concern about the impact of funding cuts on humanitarian aid, calling them a “death sentence for many” and urging a renewed commitment to multilateralism.

Following Trump’s remarks, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took the stage to criticize Western nations for their role in exacerbating the Gaza conflict. Despite their differing views, Trump noted that he and Lula shared a cordial exchange and planned to meet in the upcoming week.

As the address concluded, the divide between Trump’s approach and the perspectives of other world leaders became increasingly evident, reflecting the ongoing complexities of international diplomacy in a rapidly changing global landscape.