New York – United States President Donald Trump used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to defend his administration’s economic, immigration and foreign policy record while calling for stronger national sovereignty and changes to the UN system.
Addressing world leaders gathered under the theme “Better together: 81 years and more for peace, development and human rights”, Trump said the United States had entered a period of renewed economic and military strength as the country prepares to mark 250 years of independence.
Trump told delegates that the US economy was performing strongly, claiming that more than one million private sector jobs had been created since he took office.
He also claimed that the American poverty rate had reached its lowest level in the country’s history, with 1.5 million people lifted out of poverty during the previous year.
According to Trump, real household incomes had reached an average of $87,000, while US stock markets had recorded 80 all time highs over the previous 12 months.
He also said the United States had secured commitments for $21 trillion in new investments from around the world.
Trump attributed the figures to his administration’s efforts to reduce regulations, cut taxes and remove what he described as unnecessary obstacles to business.
He also used the address to discuss his administration’s approach to international conflicts.
Trump said the United States was continuing efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, saying thousands of people were being killed every month.
“It’s time to stop the killing,” he said.
He also referred to the return of displaced Ukrainian and Russian children to their families, crediting First Lady Melania Trump with work on the issue.
Trump said his administration had also played a role in several diplomatic efforts, including agreements and ceasefires involving countries in different regions.
He said the United States was working with Russia and Ukraine and expressed confidence that the conflict could eventually be resolved.
The US president also addressed Iran, saying Washington would reach an agreement with Tehran “one way or the other”.
Trump devoted part of his speech to Venezuela, claiming that US military forces had carried out an operation in the Venezuelan capital earlier in the year and arrested Nicolás Maduro.
He said the operation had been followed by the release of hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners and claimed that Washington was working with Venezuelan leaders on the country’s future.
The claims form part of Trump’s broader account of an assertive US foreign policy that he said was intended to protect American interests while pursuing diplomatic settlements abroad.
On the United Nations itself, Trump said his administration had worked with other countries to implement what he described as sweeping reforms.
He claimed the UN budget had been reduced by 15 percent in 2026 and that more than 4,000 positions had been eliminated from the organisation’s bureaucracy.
“The United Nations has great great potential,” Trump said, while arguing that the organisation should not impose policies driven by unelected international officials.
He also criticised the International Criminal Court, saying the United States would not accept investigations into American service members by a court he described as having no jurisdiction over the country.
Trump called on countries that are members of the ICC to withdraw from the institution.
The president also rejected the idea of international taxation, saying there was no global government and that the United States would oppose global taxes.
His remarks came as heads of state and government gathered in New York for the annual high level General Debate, which provides the 193 UN member states with a platform to discuss international peace, security, development and other global challenges.
Trump concluded his address by calling on countries to act collectively against what he described as threats to humanity and to pursue peace, prosperity and justice.
He said stronger cooperation among nations could create a safer and more prosperous future while allowing countries to retain the strength to defend their national interests.
Discussion about this post