Trump Gives Incendiary Address at UN

What’s the story?

President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time Tuesday morning. In his speech he decried the Iran nuclear deal and called out the leadership of Venezuela and Cuba for human rights violations. He also used harsh language about North Korea reports the Wall Street Journal, saying of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: "’Rocket man' is on a suicide mission, not only for himself but for his regime."

President Trump called on U.N. member nations to stand collectively to stop North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, but threatened to act alone to "totally destroy"’ North Korea if necessary. (For reaction, see Hot Takes: Trump Threatens to "Totally Destroy North Korea.")

Why does it matter?

President Trump set the stage for his militant U.N. speech Monday when he discussed adding a military parade to the annual celebrations of July 4th in the nation’s capitol. He said he was inspired by the Bastille Day celebrations that he witnessed during a visit to France, according to the Journal:

"It was one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen. And to a large extent, because of what I witnessed, we may do something like that on July 4th in Washington, down Pennsylvania Avenue. I don’t know. We’re going to have to try and top it. But we had a lot of planes going over and we had a lot of military might, and it was really a beautiful thing to see."

In his speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday President Trump started with the "measured language that many in America’s foreign policy establishment have urged Mr. Trump to utilize more often" but then moved on to the fiery rhetoric that has defined his political rise.

The New York Times reports he applauded support for sanctions against North Korea, but also offered vague references to Russia and China’s continued trade with North Korea, a country he said "threatens the entire world":

"It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime, but would arm, supply and financially support a country that imperils the world."

He referred to Iran as a "rogue nation" that harbors terrorists and the Iran nuclear deal as an “embarrassment.” He called on the world community to stand firm against the development of a nuclear program by Iran, despite recent inspection reports that Iran has not breached the nuclear proliferation agreement:

"It is time for the entire world to join us in demanding that Iran’s government end its pursuit of death and destruction."

He also referred to the leadership of Venezuela and Cuba as civil rights violators, referring to Venezuela under President Maduro as a "corrupt regime."

The president positioned himself and the United States as one of the "righteous few" standing against authoritarianism, but always for “America first.” He urged all world leaders to join the U.S. to “lift the world to new heights,” while also defending the interests of their own nations:

"Authority and authoritarian powers seek to collapse the values, the systems and alliances that prevented conflict and tilted the world toward freedom since World War II…[world leaders must decide] whether we lift the world to new heights or let it fall into a valley of disrepair....The success of the United Nations depends upon the independent strength of its members. I will always put America first, just like you as the leaders of your countries—and should as the leaders of your countries—put your countries first."

What do you think?

Do you support the president’s hardline stance against North Korea? Do you fear Tuesday’s address will escalate tensions with the North Korean regime? Do you agree with President Trump’s opposition to the Iran nuclear deal or his characterization of leaders in Venezuela and Cuba? Do you think Trump’s embracing of celebrations of military might, combined with his militant stance at the U.N., is an important display of U.S. power or a dangerous move towards the very authoritarianism that President Trump says is the problem in the world today?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Creative Commons)