Trump’s UN speech puts spotlight on calls for major reform

US President Donald Trump’s September 22 address to the United Nations highlighted his administration’s foreign-policy actions while sharply criticising the world body’s "dysfunction" and failure to confront major international challenges, according to an opinion piece published by The New York Post.

The New York Post said Trump used his speech to defend what he considers his achievements abroad and to present a more action-oriented approach to international affairs. The newspaper’s opinion piece argued that Trump’s UN addresses have consistently reflected a clear and forceful approach to global issues.

The Post recalled Trump’s 2018 warning against excessive dependence on Russian energy, noting that Germany had laughed at the warning before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump again contrasted action with what he portrayed as excessive international discussion during his September 22 speech.

“So, while others have talked, I have acted,” Trump said.

The New York Post said Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts to “reshape the world stage”, pointing to peace deals, his policy towards Venezuela, an agreement involving Greenland and, above all, what the newspaper described as his efforts to weaken Iran.

The president also warned that the US could take further action against Iran if Tehran refused to reach an acceptable agreement. Trump vowed to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic under such circumstances.

The newspaper argued that Trump’s emphasis on putting US interests first also amounted to a criticism of the UN’s ability to fulfil its central mission of confronting threats to international peace.

Trump was particularly critical of a “far-left agenda” at the UN and attacked its “globalists”, the International Criminal Court, the Human Rights Council and UNESCO. 

However, Trump did not reject the UN entirely. He acknowledged that “the United Nations has great, great potential”, while arguing that significant changes would be needed to realise that potential.

The opinion piece called for a “massive shift” in UN culture and leadership. It criticised Secretary-General António Guterres’ decade in office, alleging that the UN bureaucracy had expanded while the organisation had focused heavily on Israel.

The New York Post also argued that the UN had not done enough to address "the persecution" of Christians or respond to major international challenges, including Iran.

The newspaper further cited Israel’s identification of nearly 1,500 UN employees as members of Hamas or allied groups, alleging that many had participated in the October 7 attacks. 

According to the opinion piece, failure to implement major reforms could lead countries to seek alternative international structures. The newspaper pointed to Trump’s “Board of Peace” and other bodies that it said could potentially carry out what it describes as more effective work.

The Post also noted that Guterres is due to leave his position in December and identified Costa Rica’s Rebecca Grynspan as the leading candidate to replace him. The newspaper suggested that her appointment could represent a significant change, while noting her progressive political views.

The Post drew a historical comparison with the League of Nations, arguing that the organisation failed to address conflicts fairly and effectively before eventually disappearing as Adolf Hitler expanded his power.

The New York Post concluded that Trump still appeared to believe the United Nations could improve, provided that it responds to his call for change.

By Sabina Mammadli