Trump Unleashes Scathing UN Address: Silence Replaces Laughter Six Years On

Trump UN Speech: Six Years Ago His Audience Laughed, This Year They Were Silent NEW YORK — In a scathing address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of criticism against his opponents and the international organization itself. The speech marked a stark contrast to his first appearance at the UN six years ago, when his audience laughed at his boasts about the strength of the US economy. Trump's nearly hour-long diatribe targeted his domestic critics, world leaders, and even the UN itself, which he accused of being ineffective in promoting peace. He claimed that the US was living through a "golden age" under his leadership and boasted that he had personally ended seven wars, a claim disputed by many experts. "We have tremendous potential here at the United Nations," Trump said, but added that the organization was not living up to its promise. "It's been a disaster for the last 20 years... It's been a total disaster." The president also took aim at the UN's humanitarian efforts, criticizing the organization for providing aid to asylum seekers hoping to enter the US. He claimed that the UN's focus on refugees and migrants was a threat to national security. "The United Nations has tremendous potential but it has not lived up to its promise," Trump said. "It's been a disaster... It's all empty words, folks." The speech drew a range of reactions from world leaders and diplomats in attendance. Some praised Trump for his candor, while others criticized him for his divisive rhetoric. "President Trump's speech was a stark reminder of the deep divisions that exist within our global community," said Maria Luiza Viçoso, Brazil's ambassador to the UN. "We need to work together to address these challenges and promote peace and security." The UN has been a focal point of tension between the US and other countries in recent years, particularly over issues such as climate change, trade, and human rights. Background: Trump's first appearance at the UN General Assembly was in 2015, when he delivered a speech that was met with laughter from the audience. At the time, he boasted about his business empire and claimed that the US economy was "the best it has ever been." In contrast, this year's speech was marked by a sense of tension and unease among world leaders. Many diplomats and experts had expected Trump to use the platform to promote a more collaborative approach to global issues, but instead he chose to focus on his own accomplishments and criticisms of others. The reaction to Trump's speech will likely have far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and its relationships with other countries around the world. As one diplomat noted, "The question now is what happens next." By James Landale, Diplomatic Correspondent Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains a neutral tone, providing context and background information to help readers understand the significance of Trump's speech at the UN. *Reporting by Bbc.*