President Trump didn’t bother with the boxing gloves when he stepped into the ring at the United Nations headquarters, where the UN General Assembly was convening. The President quickly went on the offensive, slamming North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela, among others. President Trump also reached out to his base, claiming that America’s middle class has been neglected.
It should come as no surprise that North Korea found itself in President Trump’s cross hairs. North Korea stepped up missile launches ahead of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump mocked North Korean leader Kim Jung-un as “the rocket man”, and threatened that:
“If forced to defend itself or its allies, we [the United States] will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.”- President Trump
Such harsh words are rarely heard at the United Nations, where most leaders tend to tip-toe around tough subjects. Congeniality is normally pursued over frankness. Past Presidents, such as Barack Obama, were often careful with their words. Not Trump.
The President of the United States didn’t limit himself to North Korea either. Trump also slammed Iran, labeling the country a “murderous regime.” The President also slammed Iran for allegedly pursuing “death and destruction.” The Trump Administration has upheld the nuclear accords reached under the Obama administration. However, the President told the gathered world leaders that the deal was an “embarrassment.”
It’s rare for a world leader to call out a previous administration and to belittle an international agreement at the U.N. General Assembly. Trump’s choice to single out the nuclear agreement is especially noteworthy and could hint at his intentions. By dragging the deal back into the spotlight, the President could be setting the stage for a repeal.
The Venezuelan government is on the verge of collapse, and the country has been rocked by protests, riots, and failed coupe attempts.
A bit more surprisingly, President Trump also called out the Venezuelan government. The Venezuelan government is on the verge of collapse, and the country has been rocked by protests, riots, and failed coupe attempts. Numerous civilians and government officials have been injured and killed in clashes. “Socialist” Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has become a de facto dictator. Millions of Venezuelans now lack access to basic commodities and goods.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was also called out by the President. Trump called the Assad regime “criminal” and claimed that “no society can be safe if banned chemical weapons are allowed to spread.” Trump called for a peaceful solution for the Syrian people.
President Trump Proclaims Middle Class ‘Forgotten Bedrock’
President Trump didn’t spend his entire speech slamming rogue regimes. The President also told the gathered world leaders that he would “put America first.” Trump appealed directly to the American people, noting that the middle class was once the bedrock of American Prosperity. Trump claimed that this middle class has been forgotten and left behind. Under his Presidency, they will be forgotten “no more.”
The President proclaimed that “there can be no substitute for strong, independent and sovereign nations.”
On the campaign trail, Trump reached out to the declining blue collar middle class across the Rust Belt and the South. This strategy paid dividends at the voting booth. Still, it’s rare to see such domestic “campaign speak” on display at the United Nations. The President noted that the USA will pursue international commerce, but that such trade would have to be fair for the American people.
The President also took a not-too-subtle-not-too-direct stab at the United Nations itself. Many Americans have grown wary of the United Nations, viewing it as an overreach of foreign influence. The President argued that the United Nations was strongest when its individual members were strong. The President proclaimed that “there can be no substitute for strong, independent and sovereign nations.”
In the coming days President Trump’s speech will likely be the subject of much debate and analysis.
