In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, former U.S. President Donald Trump called for an end to what he described as the “failed experiment of open borders,” accusing the UN of enabling an “invasion” of Western nations through its immigration stance.
Trump singled out Europe, claiming the continent is in “serious trouble” due to uncontrolled migration. He also criticized European nations for their continued purchase of Russian energy, calling their inability to “cut off” supplies “embarrassing.”
In his wide-ranging and often combative speech, Trump described climate change as “the greatest con job ever,” declaring that UN climate predictions “were wrong.” According to the BBC’s Bernd Debusmann Jr., the remark was met with audible gasps across the assembly hall.
Trump also revisited one of his signature talking points, claiming to have ended “seven wars” since his return to the White House—while taking a swipe at the UN for allegedly failing to contribute meaningfully to global conflict resolution. “The UN did not even try to help,” he said.
On the Israel–Palestine conflict, Trump reiterated his opposition to recognising a Palestinian state, calling it “a reward for the terrible atrocities Hamas has committed.” He also issued a direct appeal during his speech: “Release the hostages now.”
The address marked one of the most controversial moments of this year’s UN General Assembly debate, with Trump’s remarks on climate, migration, and global diplomacy sharply dividing the chamber.
- Donald Trump tells the UN General Assembly it’s time to end the “failed experiment of open borders” as he accuses the UN of facilitating an “invasion” of Western countries
- Trump singles out Europe, saying the continent is in “serious trouble” over migration – while also criticising its failure to “cut off” Russian energy products as “embarrassing”
- In his wide-ranging speech, he describes climate change as the “greatest con job ever” as he claims UN predictions “were wrong” – a statement met with gasps from across the assembly floor, says the BBC’s Bernd Debusmann Jr
- The US president also brings up his claims about ending “seven wars” since his White House return – as he says the UN “did not even try to help” find a solution
- He reiterates that recognising a Palestinian state would be a “reward for the terrible atrocities” Hamas has committed – as he tells the group to “release the hostages now”
- You can watch live today’s UN General Assembly debate at the top of the page – and see highlights of President Trump’s speech in our video carousel