Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff
H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA
U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the world stage on September 23, addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with a trademark blend of sharp criticism, self-promotion, and unexpected diplomacy.
In a wide-ranging speech, Trump castigated the UN for what he called “empty words” and missed opportunities to end global conflicts, while boasting of his own record in halting wars and curbing illegal immigration. He also revealed an unplanned breakthrough in strained U.S.-Brazil relations, following an impromptu hallway encounter with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Trump described running into Lula moments before his speech. “I saw him, he saw me,” Trump told delegates, adding that the two agreed to meet next week. “We had excellent chemistry. It’s a good sign.”
The announcement marked a surprising thaw after months of tensions. Trump had repeatedly demanded that Brazil abandon the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally convicted earlier this month of attempting a coup in 2022. The U.S. had also imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian imports, straining ties further.
Trump’s brief 39-second encounter with Lula, however, could signal a new chapter in relations. “A Bad Escalator and a Bad Teleprompter”
The speech itself was not without drama. Trump opened with anecdotes about a stalled UN escalator that nearly caused First Lady Melania Trump to fall, and a malfunctioning teleprompter that briefly disrupted his delivery.
“These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” Trump quipped, before launching into his broader critique of the institution.
Trump accused the United Nations of failing to play a meaningful role in ending wars or brokering peace. “What is the purpose of the United Nations?” he asked. “They write strongly worded letters, but empty words don’t solve wars.”
He contrasted this with what he called his own record of success, claiming credit for ending seven wars and brokering peace deals without UN involvement. Trump cited the Abraham Accords, the 2020 agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states, as one of his administration’s signature achievements.
Though critics dispute his characterization, Trump maintained that his efforts saved “millions of lives” and said leaders around the world had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Despite his sharp rhetoric, Trump later struck a conciliatory tone in a private meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The former president pledged U.S. support for the UN, while Guterres praised Trump’s peace initiatives and assured him the organization was “entirely at your disposal” in pursuit of global stability.
True to form, Trump revisited a long-standing personal grievance: his failed bid to renovate the UN headquarters in New York. He argued that his proposal would have delivered marble floors and mahogany walls, unlike the terrazzo and “plastic” that were ultimately installed.
“Look at the building. You’re walking on terrazzo. They still haven’t finished the job,” Trump told delegates.
In a lighter moment, Trump invited UN delegates to visit Washington, D.C., which he declared “totally safe” under his leadership. He extended an offer to dine together at a local restaurant, insisting that they could walk from the White House “without armor-plated vehicles.”
The invitation came just weeks after Trump himself dined publicly at Joe’s Seafood with Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet officials, in a highly publicized display of confidence in the city’s security.
Trump’s UN appearance underscored his combative style and penchant for blending personal grievances with policy pronouncements. While his criticism of the UN drew sharp reactions, his spontaneous encounter with Brazil’s Lula introduced an unexpected diplomatic twist.
As Trump positions himself as a central figure in ongoing global debates, both allies and critics will be watching closely to see whether his words translate into meaningful action or remain, as he warned against, “empty words.” uncertain, but the optimism it has generated could provide the UK with much-needed momentum.
