New York – United States President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he directed sharp criticism at the UN, European allies, and countries pursuing migration policies he described as disastrous. His address drew attention across the world, including in Eswatini, where policymakers continue to monitor shifting global dynamics that influence trade, diplomacy, and security.
Trump told world leaders that open border policies were a failed experiment that threatened the sovereignty and stability of nations. “It’s time to end the failed experiment of open borders. You have to end it now,” he declared. He accused the UN of funding what he called “an assault on Western countries” through its migration programs. “I’m really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell,” he said bluntly, warning leaders that migration was ruining their nations.
Turning to his own administration’s approach, Trump said his government had made strides in limiting migration and called on other nations to adopt similar measures.
The president then shifted focus to global security, announcing that the United States would spearhead an international effort to enforce the Biological Weapons Convention through the creation of an artificial intelligence verification system. The convention, signed by 183 nations, prohibits the development and possession of biological weapons.
Trump said the system would be designed in partnership with “top leaders of the world” and would serve as a reliable mechanism to monitor compliance. “As we seek to reduce the threat of dangerous weapons today, I’m also calling on every nation to join us in ending the development of biological weapons once and for all,” he said. He went further, urging nations to abandon nuclear weapons, warning that their use could end life on Earth. “If we ever use them, the world literally might come to an end. There would be no United Nations to be talking about. There would be no nothing.”
Trump also questioned the purpose of the United Nations, claiming it had failed to support his administration in resolving conflicts. He listed seven disputes he said he helped end, including those between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Thailand, Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Serbia and Kosovo.
“I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of 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,” Trump said. “All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle, and then a teleprompter that didn’t work.”
He told the assembly that the UN had “tremendous potential” but said its current role amounted to issuing “empty words.” “All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It’s empty words, and empty words don’t solve war,” he said.
The US president turned his criticism toward Europe, attacking countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. Trump said European states must “immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia” if they were serious about ending the war in Ukraine. He singled out Hungary and Slovakia as key buyers of Russian oil, while also identifying China and India as “primary funders” of the conflict through their purchases.
Trump accused European nations of contributing indirectly to Russia’s ability to sustain the war and said the United States was prepared to impose tariffs if Moscow did not agree to a peace deal. “They have to immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia. Otherwise, we’re all wasting a lot of time,” he warned, adding that European leaders would be “thrilled” to hear his tough words.
The US itself has continued to buy Russian uranium, with imports reaching USD 755 million so far this year compared to USD 624 million during the Biden administration. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum admitted this was a contradiction and told journalists that the US was working to revive its domestic uranium enrichment capacity.
On the conflict in Gaza, Trump rejected calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state, describing the move as a “reward” for Hamas. He warned that recognition would embolden the group, which Israel and its allies accuse of atrocities during the October 7 attacks.
“As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities,” he said. He instead urged leaders to unite in demanding the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire. “Instead of giving in to Hamas’ ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now, just release the hostages,” Trump said.
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