Trump to reinforce 'America First' agenda at UN General Assembly speech next month: White House

US President Donald Trump is set to address the UN General Assembly next month, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced.

“The president will travel to New York City on September 22 to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 23,” she said.

This will be Trump’s first UNGA address since his second term began in January. The US president’s speech at the UN will likely feature his “America First” trade war agenda, backing the punitive tariff measures as a necessary measure in view of the country’s interests.

Trump addressed the UN General Assembly multiple times during his first term (2017–2021), each time reinforcing his combative, “America First” approach. His 2017 debut was especially fiery, threatening to “totally destroy North Korea” if provoked and mocking leader Kim Jong-un as “Rocket Man.” He also lashed out at Iran’s leadership, calling the nuclear deal an “embarrassment.”

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In 2018, Trump doubled down on nationalism, rejecting globalism and reaffirming his “America First” stance. A year later, in 2019, he again emphasised sovereignty, tariffs on China, and concerns over Iran and immigration. By 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he delivered a brief pre-recorded speech blaming China for the virus’s global spread.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name appears on a provisional list of speakers at the UNGA, indicating that he is reportedly expected to address the upcoming session in New York.

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The External Affairs Ministry, however, has not confirmed any such visit yet.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday via X that he discussed plans for a personal meeting with the Indian Prime Minister at the UN General Assembly in September.

To initiate the visit, the Indian side has contacted the UN headquarters to secure a speaking slot for the Prime Minister at the UN General Assembly. As of now, PM Modi is scheduled to speak on the morning of September 26.