Trump outlines foreign policy and rebrands artificial intelligence at UN General Assembly

Foreign policy and regional conflicts

US President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, focusing on Middle East tensions and the war in Ukraine. Speaking from the UN podium, Trump stated that the United States must choose between reaching an agreement with Tehran or destroying the Islamic Republic. He said an agreement could occur immediately following the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, asserting that Iranian officials are waiting on the vote result. Trump also blamed Iran for an air strike that halted the Saudi East-West pipeline. During his remarks, the Iranian delegation walked out of the hall.

On the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Trump stated that a resolution would occur faster than anticipated. Ahead of a meeting in New York with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Patriot interceptors and a partial truce on energy infrastructure, Trump noted that newly signed sanctions legislation remains available. Before the address, Trump told reporters his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was to end the war. He also claimed to have resolved eight separate conflicts, citing disputes involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Thailand, Congo, Rwanda, India, and the war between Israel and Hamas.

When others speak of peace, I make peace. When others ignore threats, I confront them. When others talk of courage, the United States has demonstrated it. When others promised strength, I used it to make the United States the strongest country in the world.

Technology policy and international institutions

Trump announced a federal directive to replace the phrase artificial intelligence with super-intelligence across all official US documents. He stated that the word artificial wrongly implies the technology is fake, adding that the new label better describes system capabilities. The decision follows plans announced on Saturday to establish AI Forces and appoint an AI Czar. Trump rejected proposed multilateral governance, opposing calls made on Monday by over 20 countries, including Canada, Germany, and Australia, for an international regulatory body under the UN.

From now on, all United States documents, and hopefully the entire world's, will be modified to use the much more accurate term super instead of artificial. So, it is about super-intelligence.

Trump also urged member states to formally withdraw from the International Criminal Court. The US administration previously sanctioned ICC personnel following an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to dismantle the court. Trump additionally criticized UNESCO and rejected globalized governance frameworks.

Western Hemisphere strategy and press disputes

Detailing foreign policy goals in the Western Hemisphere, Trump announced plans to construct two US military bases in Greenland and predicted that the government in Cuba will fall. He defended his policies on Venezuela and oil agreements, warning that Washington is prepared to use military force in South America if required. Trump also compared drug cartels to the Islamic State and urged Mexico to regain territorial control.

The address took place amid a domestic legal dispute with the press. On Friday, the White House barred reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, leading the organizations to file a First Amendment lawsuit on Monday. Other networks, including Fox News and NBC, temporarily limited coverage of presidential appearances in response. Outside the assembly hall, Trump had a brief exchange with CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, noting the network's presence before delivering his speech.