US President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first UN address of his second term on Tuesday, using the platform to critique globalist institutions and rebuke Western allies that have recognised a Palestinian state. The White House has framed his speech as a bold “America First” reset, emphasizing a renewal of US strength while warning that multilateral bodies like the UN have “significantly decayed the world order,” according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump is expected to lean heavily on his familiar “America First” rhetoric, a stance that during his first term saw the US cut funding to UN agencies and withdraw from multiple international agreements. This year’s UN General Assembly takes place amid Israel’s war in Gaza, which has heightened divisions among Western nations over Palestinian recognition. France, Britain, Canada, and Australia recently recognised a Palestinian state, actions Trump reportedly views as a reward to Hamas and symbolic rather than substantive.
Leavitt indicated that Trump will not shy away from criticizing these moves, though he will also engage with regional partners through a series of multilateral meetings with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. In addition, he is slated to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, seeking stronger security guarantees for Kyiv, and Argentina’s Javier Milei, following Washington’s announcement of a potential economic package for Argentina.
Trump’s speech marks his first UN appearance since reclaiming the presidency in January, highlighting a clear shift in US foreign policy under his leadership. Whereas previous administrations emphasized collective frameworks and diplomacy, Trump’s address underscores a more assertive, sovereignty-focused stance, balancing criticism of allies with efforts to strengthen key international partnerships.
