US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit New York to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, the White House confirmed. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced during Thursday’s briefing that Trump will travel to New York City on September 22 ahead of his speech the following day.
This will be Trump’s first UNGA address during his second term. He is expected to focus on his “America First” trade agenda, framing punitive tariffs as necessary to counter what he views as decades of unfair trade practices by US partners.
Trump has addressed the UNGA multiple times during his first term (2017–2021). In 2017, his debut speech included a threat to “totally destroy North Korea” if provoked, mockery of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and criticism of Iran’s leadership and the nuclear deal. In 2018, he emphasized nationalism and rejected globalism, while in 2019, he reiterated his stance on tariffs, China, and immigration. During 2020, his remarks were brief and pre-recorded, blaming China for the spread of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to speak at this year’s high-level session of the UNGA. The 80th session of the General Debate will run from September 23 to 29, traditionally opening with Brazil, followed by the United States.
