Trump to UN: Only Our 'Friends' Get Aid

He asserts US independence from the world body, bashes Iran
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 25, 2018 1:43 PM CDT
Big Lines From Trump's UN Speech
President Trump addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

President Trump addressed the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, with his familiar "America First" theme taking prominence. "We reject the ideology of globalism," the president told the world body. One of Trump's early boasts drew unexpected laughter from the audience, though he laughed it off and went on to press his case. Here are some of Trump's big lines, as rounded up by outlets including CNN, the Washington Post, USA Today, and NPR:

  • US independence: “The US will always choose independence and cooperation over global governance, control, and domination,” Trump said. “I honor the right of every nation in this room to pursue its own customs, beliefs, and traditions. The United States will not tell you how to live or work or worship. We only ask that you honor our sovereign rights in return.” Also: “We will not be governed by an international body that is unaccountable to our own citizens."
  • Friends first: "Few give anything to us. That is why we are taking a hard look at US foreign assistance. ... Moving forward we are only going to give foreign aid to those who respect us and frankly our—our friends. And we expect other countries to pay their fair share for the cost of their defense."

  • Iran: "Iran’s leaders sow chaos, death and destruction," he said. "Iran’s leaders plunder the nation’s resources to enrich themselves and to spread mayhem across the Middle East and far beyond."
  • Familiar slogan: The only long-term solution on the global migration crisis is to “help people build brighter futures in their own countries—make their countries great again.”
  • Harsh words: "OPEC and OPEC nations are as usual ripping off the rest of the world, and I don't like it. Nobody should like it," he said. "We defend many of these nations for nothing, and then they take advantage of us by giving us high oil prices. Not good."
  • North Korea: "With support from many countries here today we have engaged with North Korea to replace the specter of conflict with a bold and new push for peace," said Trump. "I would like to thank Chairman Kim for his courage and for the steps he has taken."
(More President Trump stories.)

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