On September 23, 2023, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, as world leaders confront pressing issues ranging from the ongoing conflict in Gaza to the war in Ukraine. This pivotal moment raises questions about whether the United States, under its America First foreign policy, is still willing to assume a leadership role in international affairs.
Since his inauguration in January, President Trump has dramatically altered U.S. foreign policy by implementing significant cuts to foreign aid, imposing tariffs on both allies and adversaries, and fostering a complex relationship with Russia. These changes have sparked debates about the sustainability of U.S. influence in global diplomatic efforts.
During this week, approximately 150 heads of state and government are expected to speak at the General Assembly, with Trump being the second speaker scheduled after the session begins at 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT). His address comes eight months into a second term characterized by severe aid cuts, which have raised humanitarian concerns and provoked doubts about the future of the United Nations.
Although White House officials have not disclosed specific details about Trump's speech, planning documents reviewed by Reuters indicate the administration intends to advocate for a significant reduction in the right to asylum. This proposal seeks to dismantle aspects of the post-World War Two framework that has traditionally supported humanitarian protection. A spokesperson from the State Department stated that Trump's approach would mandate that asylum-seekers apply for protection in the first country they enter, rather than allowing them to choose their destination.
During the General Assembly, Trump is also expected to meet formally with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the first time since returning to office. Trump has previously expressed that he sees great potential in the U.N. but insists that it must improve its operations. He continues to maintain a skeptical view of multilateralism, a perspective that defined his first term from 2017 to 2021, and has often criticized the organization for not supporting his efforts to broker peace in various regions.
The General Assembly convenes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas nears its second anniversary on October 7, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled to address the Assembly later in the week. On Monday, numerous world leaders gathered to express their support for a Palestinian state—a significant diplomatic shift that faces intense opposition from Israel and its close ally, the United States.
The current Israeli government, which is the most far-right in its history, has declared that a Palestinian state will not be established as it continues its military operations against Hamas in Gaza, following the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. Israel's military actions in Gaza have drawn widespread international condemnation, with local health authorities reporting that over 65,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the conflict.
In addition to addressing the General Assembly, Trump will have meetings with significant global leaders during this week. He is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, among others. Trump will also conduct a bilateral meeting with Argentina's Javier Milei and a multilateral meeting involving the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
This week’s General Assembly presents a critical opportunity for President Trump to articulate his vision for U.S. foreign policy and its implications for global governance in a rapidly changing world.
