As President Donald Trump prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly for the first time since returning to office, the international community and U.S. allies are anticipating his approach to global conflicts and trade relations. Despite being seen at the pinnacle of his political prowess, Trump faces expectations to address concerns on several pressing international matters, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Trump has claimed significant achievements in resolving global conflicts during his tenure, stating, “I’ve settled seven wars.” He also mentioned mitigating what he termed a potential nuclear disaster in Iran. However, allies are seeking more clarity on Trump’s strategies, particularly concerning the unpredictability of U.S. trade policies and military support for Ukraine.
The European allies and diplomats express a need for more concrete plans from the U.S., particularly regarding the Middle East. They also contemplate Trump’s response to potential international recognitions of a Palestinian state by countries like France, Canada, and the UK.
Eastern European countries, notably Poland, are concerned about Russian military actions in their airspace, with recent incidents of Russian drones entering Polish territory being downplayed by Trump. Nonetheless, pressure mounts for stronger U.S. positions against Russian aggressions, notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Some, like Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, urge Trump to shift from personal diplomacy with Russia towards more decisive actions.
Meanwhile, Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil remains part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Moscow, though these efforts face obstacles due to several EU countries’ dependencies on Russian resources.
In parallel to these geopolitical issues, the situation between Israel and Hamas also garners attention at the UN. Many global leaders, led by France and Saudi Arabia, advocate for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state as a step towards peace in the region. Trump’s administration supports Israel’s stance in this conflict, emphasizing the memory of Hamas’ recent attacks.
The upcoming speech marks Trump’s return to the UN in a personal capacity for the first time since 2019, after a pre-recorded address during the pandemic. His administration’s approach has been marked by the withdrawal from certain UN bodies due to perceived anti-American biases. Observers suggest Trump steer his rhetoric positively if he aims for accolades like the Nobel Peace Prize and avoid aggressive critiques of international bodies.
Trump’s address will be closely watched, as the global community looks for indications of America’s future role in resolving international conflicts and shaping global diplomacy.