‘Tremendous potential’: The United Nations has failed but can recover, Trump says

The United Nations is failing in its mission but there is hope, President Donald Trump said Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

“What is the purpose of the United Nations? The United Nations has such tremendous potential, but it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential,” Trump said, emphasizing immigration and energy as two key issues every country must address to protect its citizens and grow its economy.

“On the world stage, America is respected again like it has never been respected before,” the president said, credited his high polling numbers to his work on the border and the economy. “My administration has negotiated one historical trade deal after the other.”  

The U.N. can succeed in its original intent, Trump also said, but countries must “reject the failed approaches of the past. 

“I’ve come here today to offer the hand of American leadership and friendship to any nation willing to join us in forming a safer and more prosperous world.” 

He said each nation must honor its history and ancestors who “built our beloved nations with their own spirit, strength and skill.” 

However, Trump lamented how he – and not the United Nations – ended a number of wars in the last seven months. 

“No president or prime minister, for that matter no other country has done that,” Trump said. “I’m very honored to do that. It’s too bad that I had to do these things and not the United Nations. 

“I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders with each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help in finalizing the deal.” 

U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the president’s point in a post on X: “President Trump is right: the U.N. is broken, figuratively and literally, and the public agrees.” 

Leavitt cited a recent Gallup Poll that reports 63% of American adults say the U.N.’s performance is poor. Only 32% believe the U.N. is successful in solving global issues. 

“Whether you have come from north or south, east or west, near or far, every leader in this beautiful hall today represents a rich culture, a noble history, and a proud heritage that makes each nation majestic and unique, unlike anything else in human history,” Trump told the 193-member Assembly. 

It’s one more reason nations must restore their borders and protect their citizens, he added. 

“You want to be ‘politically correct,’ and you’re destroying your heritage,” Trump warned, referencing nations who permit “millions of migrants to flood their borders.” 

Meanwhile, as some nations push for a recognition of Palestinian statehood, Trump pushed back. 

“The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists,” he warned. “This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including Oct. 7.” 

Trump also said each nation “stands on the shoulders of leaders,” and those nations must work together to “confront some of the greatest threats in history,” including nuclear weapons. 

The president also referenced the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, inviting all countries “who find inspiration in our example” to join the U.S. in “renewing our commitment to those values we hold so dearly.” He promised to defend free speech, free expression, and religious freedom, including for “the most persecuted religion in the world today – Christianity.” 

“Now the righteous task of protecting the nations they built belongs to each and every one of us. So together, let us uphold our sacred duty to our people and our citizens,” he said. “We’re going to make our countries better, safer, more beautiful; we’re going to take care of our people.” 

Photo credit: The White House