Trump at UN: Recognizing Palestinian State “Rewards Hamas Atrocities on October 7th"

US President Donald Trump delivered a combative speech Tuesday at the opening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, warning that international recognition of a Palestinian state amounted to “a reward for Hamas and the atrocities it has committed.”

The Republican president called for the immediate release of all hostages, while using his address to attack the UN, America’s European allies, Russia, Iran, and his predecessor Joe Biden.

“America’s golden age”

Reading from a transcript after a teleprompter malfunction, Trump declared: “This is America’s golden age.” He boasted that in the eight months since beginning his second term, the US has become “the hottest country in the world.”

He accused the Biden administration of leaving behind “a series of disasters” and insisted that under his leadership “America is being respected again in a way it has never been appreciated before.”

The president also claimed credit for ending “seven endless wars” in seven months, although some of the conflicts he listed lasted only days or did not occur at all.

Mocking the UN

Trump sharply criticized the UN, saying it “writes empty letters that do not solve wars” and mocking the institution for “bad escalators and a non-functioning teleprompter.” He argued that “action, not words, solves wars” and repeated his long-standing desire to be recognized for peace efforts, despite dismissing awards as “not what matters.”

Iran and Gaza

Turning to Iran, Trump said: “The world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism cannot have nuclear weapons. We bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities and no country can do what we did.”

On Gaza, he rejected European moves to recognize a Palestinian state: “Unfortunately Hamas is rejecting reasonable peace proposals. We cannot forget October 7, and some in this UN body want to reward those atrocities with a Palestinian state.”

He demanded the release of all hostages, though his remarks included contradictory and unverified figures.

Russia and Ukraine

Trump addressed the war in Ukraine, claiming it would be the “easiest conflict to resolve” due to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described the war as “supposed to be a quick little skirmish,” adding that its prolonged duration “makes Russia look bad.”

He threatened new tariffs on Russia if it refused to negotiate peace but insisted that European countries must join the sanctions for them to be effective.

Migration and Europe

The president also accused the UN of enabling mass migration to Western countries, warning leaders: “Your countries are going to hell.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the session with an urgent appeal for peace: “Nothing justifies the terrorist attack of October 7 and the taking of hostages. But nothing justifies collective punishment of the Palestinians. We all know what is needed: a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and humanitarian aid now.”

Guterres also called for peace in Ukraine and Sudan, urging states to defend international law.

Lula, tensions with US and Israel

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used his speech to defend Brazil’s judiciary following the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro for attempted coup, condemning “attacks on our justice system.” He criticized Washington for sanctions and tariffs, and denounced Israel’s conduct in Gaza: “Nothing justifies the genocide in Gaza. I admire the Jews in Israel and abroad who oppose this.”

The General Assembly opened one day after the Franco-Saudi “two-state conference” at the UN, during which France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and San Marino announced recognition of a Palestinian state.

In total, 145 UN member states now recognize Palestinian statehood. However, the United States remains opposed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said ahead of Trump’s address: “There is no Palestinian state. And if there is one, it will only happen through negotiations with Israel — which is impossible while Israel is at war with Hamas.”