Donald Trump's appearance at the United Nations General Assembly was marked by an unexpected hiccup even before he took the podium. As he and former First Lady Melania Trump approached the escalator at the UN headquarters, it abruptly halted. This unforeseen incident set the stage for a series of technical difficulties that would plague his visit.
The sudden stop of the escalator forced Trump and Melania to navigate the remaining steps on foot. While the adjacent escalator continued to operate smoothly, their escalator remained stubbornly still. This minor inconvenience would later become a point of contention in Trump's assessment of the UN's effectiveness.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn as reports surfaced suggesting that some UN staff members had jokingly considered disabling the escalators and elevators. The intent, it was rumored, was to playfully inconvenience Trump by forcing him to use the stairs, attributing the malfunction to budget constraints.
This alleged jest prompted a sharp response from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She called for a thorough investigation into any potential intentional wrongdoings committed by UN staff during Trump's visit. Her statement underscored the seriousness with which the White House viewed any perceived disrespect or sabotage.
Adding to the initial escalator issue, Trump encountered another setback upon arriving at the stage: a malfunctioning teleprompter. This technical glitch further fueled his frustration and led him to question the overall functionality and purpose of the United Nations.
Despite the initial challenges, Trump attempted to inject humor into the situation. He started his speech by jokingly referencing the broken technology and the escalator incident. However, the underlying frustration with the UN's perceived inefficiencies remained evident.
Trump even quipped about the teleprompter operator being "in big trouble," attempting to lighten the mood. Nevertheless, these technical difficulties served as a backdrop for his broader criticisms of the United Nations.
The former president didn't fully let go of his grievances, later citing the escalator malfunction as evidence of the UN's ineffectiveness. He argued that the organization often resorts to "strongly worded" letters instead of actively negotiating peace in conflict zones.
In contrast to the UN's approach, Trump highlighted his own "strong-arm" tactics, claiming responsibility for bringing an end to seven wars. He specifically mentioned conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Congo and Rwanda, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.
During his speech, Trump directly addressed the diplomats present, stating that all he received from the United Nations was a malfunctioning escalator. He sarcastically remarked that his wife, Melania, could have fallen if she hadn't been in good shape, implying that the incident reflected poorly on the organization's competence.
Beyond the immediate technical issues, Trump's speech was characterized by several memorable and controversial statements. He declared that "the future does not belong to globalists" but to "patriots," reflecting his nationalist ideology.
He also emphasized the importance of national sovereignty, asserting that "if you want freedom, take pride in your country. If you want democracy, hold on to your sovereignty. And if you want peace, love your nation."
Trump offered advice to the United Kingdom, urging them to "open up the North Sea and get rid of windmills" to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and boost their economy.
He made a controversial claim about London, suggesting that it was moving towards "Sharia Law," which drew criticism and sparked debate about his understanding of the city's cultural and legal landscape.
Addressing the audience, Trump humorously stated that "whoever's operating this teleprompter is in big trouble," eliciting laughter and providing a moment of levity amid the more serious topics.
Trump expressed concern about the potential use of nuclear or biological weapons, warning that "the world literally might come to an end" if such weapons were deployed, questioning the UN's future relevance in such a scenario.
He also condemned "the failed experiment of open borders," claiming that it was detrimental to countries and asserted that "your countries are going to hell," reflecting his stance on immigration policies.
Trump reiterated his controversial view on climate change, calling it "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world," despite the UN's Climate Week initiatives.
He criticized the United Nations as "just a club for people to get together, talk, and have a good time," suggesting that it lacked meaningful impact and practical solutions to global issues.
Trump emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests, stating that "wise leaders always put the good of their own people and their own country first," reinforcing his "America First" approach to international relations.
In addition to criticizing the UN, Trump also lauded his administration's achievements and encouraged his opponents to follow his lead. He urged assembly members to end the "failed experiment of open borders" and accused the UN of "funding an assault on Western countries" through liberal immigration policies.
Trump took a jab at London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, claiming that the city was headed towards "Sharia law." He also slammed climate change as a "green scam," advising countries to distance themselves from it to avoid failure.
Finally, Trump asserted that many of his actions were worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize and that "everyone" believed he should receive it. While he acknowledged the prestige of the award, he emphasized that the true reward would be the lives saved and the prevention of future wars.