Today, US President Donald Trump delivered one of the most controversial speeches in recent memory at the UN General Assembly in New York. According to the Guardian, he accused the UN of funding programmes that encourage migration and thus weaken Western countries. He said the UN should be stopping invasions, not paying for them. He was particularly critical of Europe, which he described as a continent facing "serious problems" because of illegal migration. His speech also included some harsh words: "I'm really good at this. Your countries are going to hell."
Trump, according to Reuters, has repeatedly referred to the "crisis of uncontrolled migration" and warned that countries without border protection lose their sovereignty and stability. He stressed the need for tougher measures and made it clear that he believes current policies are failing. The Associated Press recalled that his outburst against European governments came at a time when the migration issue is once again dividing the local political scene and strengthening far-right parties.
Much of the speech was about the war in the Gaza Strip. Trump urged an immediate end to the fighting and called on the terrorist movement Hamas to release all hostages. In doing so, he warned that international recognition of Palestinian statehood would be seen as a "reward" for Hamas, not a path to peace, according to the AP. Reuters points out that Trump has offered the United States as a mediator in possible hostage swap and ceasefire talks.
But the speech was not limited to migration and the Middle East. According to the Guardian, Trump sharply questioned the UN climate conclusions and described some environmental initiatives as a "green scam". He also criticised Europe's energy dependence on Russia and warned that weak energy and defence policies were contributing to the ongoing war in Ukraine. ABC News added that his rhetoric was a combination of patriotism, sharp criticism of institutions and outspoken jabs at political opponents.
Reactions in the international press vary widely. While the US conservative media, according to the AP, praised his "tough stance" and his ability to stand up to the UN and Europe, the European press and diplomats quoted by the Guardian described the speech as polarising and counterproductive. According to the UN and some world leaders, resolving conflicts and humanitarian crises requires global cooperation, not confrontational rhetoric.
As Reuters noted, Trump's speech reopened the debate on the role of the UN in the world, the direction of European migration policy and diplomacy over Gaza. The Associated Press then summarized that it was one of the most pointed speeches of the current period, which clearly showed Trump's desire to profile himself as a defender of the West, but also deepened tensions between the United States and its allies.
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