At the 80th United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23, President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging and scathing critique of the UN, mocking everything from its faulty escalators to its perceived ineffectiveness in global conflict resolution.
He joked about the escalator malfunction that nearly caused First Lady Melania Trump to fall and complained about a broken teleprompter during his speech.
Beyond the humor, Trump accused the UN of failing to live up to its potential, claiming it offers only “empty words” and strongly worded letters instead of meaningful action.
He argued that the UN had no role in his self-proclaimed record of ending seven wars, saying, “What is the purpose of the United Nations? … It’s not even coming close to living up to that potential.”
Meeting With Lula and Improved Relations With Brazil
In a surprise announcement, Trump revealed he had a brief encounter with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva just before his address.
After months of strained ties due to Trump’s demands to halt the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Trump said he and Lula had agreed to meet next week, describing their interaction as showing “excellent chemistry.”
Relations have been strained not only by Bolsonaro’s legal troubles but also by U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods. The chance encounter, which Trump described as lasting “39 seconds,” appeared to mark a thaw between the two nations.
Claiming Peace Achievements and Nobel Recognition
Trump used the global platform to highlight what he called his achievements in securing peace, including the Abraham Accords.
He suggested that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending “unglorious wars” and saving lives. Leaders from several countries, he noted, have already nominated him for the award.
Trump contrasted his accomplishments with the UN’s inaction, insisting that his efforts brought real results while the international body failed to contribute.
Old Grievances Over UN Renovation Project
Returning to his real estate roots, Trump reminded the assembly that he once bid to renovate the UN complex in New York. He argued that his bid, which included marble floors and mahogany walls, would have avoided the cost overruns and “inferior product” that resulted.
Instead, the UN ended up with terrazzo flooring, which Trump mocked as a downgrade.
He linked his grievance back to his earlier frustrations, saying the malfunctioning escalator symbolized the building’s poor renovation: “As far as I’m concerned, frankly, looking at the building and getting stuck on the escalator, they still haven’t finished the job.”
Mixed Tone: Criticism and Conciliation
Despite his harsh words, Trump later struck a conciliatory note during a meeting with UN Secretary General António Guterres, assuring him the United States was “behind the United Nations 100%.” Guterres, in turn, praised Trump’s peacemaking efforts and reaffirmed the UN’s support for global stability.
Invitation to Washington, D.C.
To close out his UN appearance, Trump extended an unusual invitation to world leaders: dinner in Washington, D.C.
He boasted that the U.S. capital is now “totally safe” thanks to National Guard deployments and suggested that visiting leaders could walk to a restaurant from the White House without armored vehicles.
Trump himself recently dined out with Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members at Joe’s Seafood, a few blocks from the White House, an outing he held up as proof of the city’s restored safety.
