Donald Trump delivered a pointed critique of the United Nations during his address to the General Assembly on September 23, 2025, simultaneously championing his own record on foreign policy. The former president, speaking in new York City, repeatedly questioned the efficacy of the international body while highlighting achievements he attributed to his governance’s “america First” approach.Trump’s return to the UN stage – a venue he previously both challenged and engaged with during his presidency – occurs as the global landscape faces escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions. His speech, closely watched by international observers, offered a stark contrast to the multilateralism typically emphasized at the UN, and arrives amid a contentious US presidential election cycle where foreign policy stances are sharply debated. The speech’s impact will likely reverberate through diplomatic circles and influence the ongoing discourse surrounding America’s role in global affairs.
During his remarks, Trump asserted that the UN has become “ineffective” and “outdated,” criticizing its bureaucracy and perceived bias.He specifically cited what he described as the organization’s failure to prevent conflicts and address global challenges. “The United Nations was founded on a very noble idea, but it has largely failed to live up to its promise,” Trump stated.
He contrasted this perceived failure with his own foreign policy successes, including brokering agreements between Israel and Arab nations – the Abraham Accords – and confronting china on trade imbalances. Trump also touted his administration’s efforts to dismantle terrorist organizations and strengthen alliances with key partners.
The former president also veered into unrelated territory, referencing a decades-old claim linking autism to the pain reliever Tylenol, a claim repeatedly debunked by the scientific community.This digression drew immediate criticism from advocates for individuals with autism and their families. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent proponent of the discredited theory, was not mentioned directly.
Trump’s speech was delivered as part of a series of high-level meetings at the UN General Assembly, attracting a global audience of diplomats, policymakers, and journalists.The event provided a platform for world leaders to address pressing international issues, including climate change, poverty, and security.
