U.S President Donald Trump
Despite moments earlier criticising the United Nations on issues ranging from conflict resolution to climate change, U.S. President Donald Trump made a striking pivot, declaring full American support for the global institution.
“Our country is behind the United Nations one hundred percent,” Trump said during a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York.
The statement came shortly after Trump had delivered his national address to world leaders—his fifth appearance at the General Assembly as U.S. President—where he sharply rebuked the UN’s handling of global crises, irregular migration, and climate-related matters.
Yet, in his meeting with Guterres, Trump struck a notably different tone.
“I think the potential of the United Nations is incredible—really incredible. It can do so much,” he said. “So, I’m behind it. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because I think the potential for peace with this institution is so great.”
He added, “I just want to thank you for treating us so warmly. We very much appreciate being with you.”
Trump also took a lighter moment to reference technical hiccups during the day, noting, “We’ve done this before, and this was a little more exciting because of the escalator and the teleprompter—but these things happen. But I will tell you that your people have treated us with great respect.”
In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the United States’ long-standing role in the UN’s foundation and continued leadership.
“For decades we have relied on the United States as our major political and financial supporter, thanks to the generosity of the American people, which we are very grateful about,” Guterres said.
He welcomed the possibility of closer cooperation on shared goals, especially global peace.
“You have selected peace as a central objective of your mandate,” Guterres said, praising Trump’s diplomatic efforts. “You’ve been going North and South, East and West, in all possible situations—getting, or trying to get, ceasefires… making peace agreements or the building blocks of peace agreements.”
The UN chief assured Trump of the organisation’s readiness to partner closely with the U.S.
“The whole UN system, its leadership and our teams at all levels, are entirely at your disposal to be able to work together for a just peace in the world, based on our common values and on the constitution of the United States,” he said.
He concluded with a pointed reminder of the human impact behind the diplomacy.
“One thing is extremely important: that the horrible suffering of millions around the world can be stopped. And we fully appreciate your engagement in that regard.”
