UNITED NATIONS — U.S. President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran and outline his administration’s foreign policy priorities.
Trump’s 37-minute speech included warnings against Iran, promises to address the war in Ukraine, criticism of the International Criminal Court and calls for major changes at the United Nations.
IRAN AND UKRAINE
Trump warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if no peace agreement is reached. He also predicted that a deal could come after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections, when voters will determine the makeup of Congress.
On Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump said Washington was working with both Moscow and Kyiv to reach an agreement.
“We're working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we will get that one done,” Trump said.
He added:
“It's going to happen, I think, more quickly than people understand.”
AI AND “SUPER INTELLIGENCE”
Trump said the U.S. government would use the term “super intelligence” instead of artificial intelligence.
He repeated his criticism of AI safety warnings, calling them a hoax, and claimed the United States was far ahead of China and other countries in the technology.
“We're leading now over China by a lot and everyone else,” Trump said.
Trump said he would not restrict the growth of AI, which he described as a development that could surpass the Industrial Revolution. However, he added that U.S. law enforcement agencies would intervene if necessary.
ATTACK ON ICC
Trump urged countries that belong to the International Criminal Court to withdraw from the tribunal.
He called the ICC an “out of control institution” and “an evil group of people,” saying the United States would not allow American military personnel to face what he described as show trials before an anti-American court.
DRUG CARTELS
Trump said his administration was restoring American power by targeting drug cartels, which the United States has designated as terrorist organizations.
“Like ISIS, they should be killed, exiled or detained as enemy combatants without the possibility of release,” Trump said.
VENEZUELA AND CUBA
Trump described his administration’s actions in Venezuela as a major victory and a warning to other countries.
“Our actions in Venezuela are proof that the United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” he said.
He also called Cuba a failed state and promised greater U.S. involvement in the region.
“Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba,” Trump said.
Members of the Cuban delegation walked out during the speech.
Trump also described Mexico as a center of regional drug cartel violence.
CRITICISM OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Trump praised what he described as sweeping reforms at the United Nations under his administration, including budget cuts and staff reductions.
At the same time, he criticized international organizations and proposals for global taxes.
] “The United Nations has great, great potential. I've said that for many years. But it must stop imposing the far-left agenda of globalist bureaucrats who nobody ever elected,” Trump said.
