NEW YORK: Speaking before world leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza, while simultaneously reaffirming his opposition to Palestinian statehood. “We must bring an end to the war in Gaza immediately. Peace negotiations must start without delay,”
Trump declared from the UN podium, emphasizing the urgency of halting the violence. Trump also reiterated support for a ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement, stating that the United States seeks the return of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, whether alive or deceased.
While dozens of global leaders at the UN voiced support for the recognition of a Palestinian state a notable diplomatic shift Trump stood firm in opposition. Aligning closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he argued that Palestinian statehood would reward Hamas. “The rewards would be too great,” Trump said, referring to the militant group.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Trump took a harder tone toward Moscow, warning of severe economic retaliation if Russia fails to pursue peace.“If Russia is unwilling to negotiate a path to end the war, the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of tariffs,” Trump said. He suggested that these measures could quickly pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into backing down from the largest European conflict since World War II.
However, Trump noted that any economic measures would require full cooperation from U.S. allies. “European nations, all of you gathered here, would have to join us in adopting the exact same measures,” he added.
Despite his rhetoric, Trump has not yet acted on earlier threats to sanction Russia and has instead urged European nations to cease all purchases of Russian oil before the U.S. takes further steps.
The American president was scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later on Tuesday.
Trump also used the global platform to push for stricter migration policies, urging other nations to emulate his administration’s aggressive approach to border enforcement and deportations.“Illegal migration is destroying your countries,” he told the assembly. “It’s time to address this crisis on the world stage.”
Trump’s remarks come as his administration moves to reshape international asylum policy. According to State Department officials, the U.S. will soon propose requiring asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first safe country they reach, rather than choosing their preferred destination — a move that could roll back longstanding post-WWII refugee protections.
In a moment of levity or criticism, depending on interpretation Trump expressed frustration with the United Nations’ infrastructure. He recounted how he and First Lady Melania Trump were briefly stranded on a malfunctioning UN escalator, and that his teleprompter failed at the start of his speech.
“All I’ve gotten from the United Nations so far is a bad escalator and a broken teleprompter,” he joked, noting that Melania nearly stumbled when the escalator came to an abrupt stop.
Trump’s address marks his first appearance at the UN since returning to the presidency in January. His second term has been defined by sweeping foreign aid cuts, tariff-driven diplomacy, and unpredictable overtures to both adversaries and allies.
Despite his self-styled image as a global dealmaker and peacemaker and his ambition to win a Nobel Peace Prize Trump’s efforts to resolve long-standing international conflicts have seen limited progress thus far.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to meet with Trump for the first time since his return to office later this week. Trump is one of around 150 world leaders scheduled to speak at the General Assembly.
