Trump attacks European migration, energy and Middle East policy during UN address
US president Donald Trump used his address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday to launch an attack on European migration and energy policies, while weighing in on debates over Palestinian statehood and NATO’s role in the Ukraine war.
“Europe is in serious trouble. They’ve been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobody has ever seen before,” Trump said. “It’s time to end the failed experiment of open borders.” He added: “Your countries are going to hell”, citing the high number of foreigners in Swiss prisons and directing another attack at London mayor Sadiq Khan.
European climate policy also came under attack. Trump warned that the “green revolution” was driving countries to “the brink of disaster” and described climate change as “the biggest scam ever devised against humanity”.
Trump's speech, which stretched to nearly an hour rather than the allotted 15 minutes, jumped rapidly across topics, from crime in Washington to oil drilling in the North Sea.
Regarding the Middle East, he objected to recent moves by the UK, Canada and France to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling it “a reward” for the “horrific atrocities” committed by Hamas. He said the group has refused to release hostages or accept a ceasefire.
Around 150 of the UN’s 193 member states already recognise Palestine, though European divisions persist. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni declined to back French president Emmanuel Macron’s initiative and delayed her arrival in New York.
The Netherlands, Greece and Germany also withheld support. German chancellor Friedrich Merz chose not to attend the Assembly, sending his Foreign minister instead.
Portugal, Malta, Luxembourg and Belgium continue to call for recognition, but EU governments have never reached a common position.
UN secretary general António Guterres renewed his call for a two-state solution on X. “Lasting peace in the Middle East will never be built through more violence," he said. "We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an immediate & unconditional release of all hostages & unhindered humanitarian access.
"The two-State solution is the only path forward: Israel & Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. We must seize this moment with a united commitment to diplomacy, international law & the dignity of all people.”
Macron added his own pointed remarks in an interview in New York, linking Trump’s personal ambitions for a Nobel Peace Prize to the ongoing conflict.
“I see an American president who is motivated, who said it again this morning in the (UN) Security Council: 'I want peace. I have resolved seven conflicts.' Who wants the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize is only possible if you end this conflict.”
He stressed that while France officially recognised the State of Palestine on Monday, such a state would only truly exist “on the day the State of Israel recognises it”.
Trump also spoke about NATO, telling reporters he believes alliance members should be prepared to shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate their airspace. “Yes, I do,” he said when asked about the issue during a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Assembly.
Donald Trump speaks at the general debate of the UN General Assembly in New York, 23 September 2025 © PHOTO KAY NIETFELD / DPA
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