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Trump set to take combative stance at United Nations: 5 things to know

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23.09.2025

President Trump will return to the United Nations on Tuesday, promoting his view that the international forum is “decaying” the global order and putting forward a new vision, building on his "America First" agenda.

The president’s message is likely to be cheered by the U.N.’s critics, such as Israel, who have counted on U.S. support to push back on what it characterizes as bias and double standards at the international body.

“The president will also touch upon how globalist institutions have significantly decayed the world order, and he will articulate his straightforward and constructive vision for the world,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.

But that message is likely to be received poorly from the majority of members, who still view the forum as valuable in bringing together major powers and building coalitions among smaller, weaker nations.

Here are five moments or issues to watch at the 80th annual U.N. General Assembly:

Trump returns with more animosity toward U.N.

Among Trump’s first actions in his second term was to withdraw the U.S. from top U.N. bodies dealing with global health and human rights and slashing funding for humanitarian aid through direct and indirect U.S. contributions.

Leavitt said Trump’s remarks will be a “major speech touting the renewal of American strength around the world, his historic accomplishments in just eight months, including the ending of seven global wars and conflicts.”

But even as Trump is set to confront the global body, he is not showing any additional, major signs of retreating from it.

Trump plans to hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings throughout Tuesday, Leavitt said.

The U.S. remains a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the primary body with power to impose global sanctions, authorize military force and deploy peace missions.

Another example of U.S. engagement is the arrival of Mike Waltz, recently confirmed as ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz........

© The Hill