Donald Trump addresses UN General Assembly, claiming economic revival and predicting post-election Iran deal

Address at the General Assembly

US President Donald Trump addressed the annual United Nations General Assembly debate in New York on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. He spoke as the third leader on the official schedule, following opening remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Lula da Silva. In the assembly hall, Trump was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Trump opened his speech by welcoming delegates as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He asserted that the country has entered an era of renewed strength across military, technological, and economic sectors.

Foreign policy and Iran negotiations

A substantial portion of the address focused on Middle Eastern security, where Trump declared that Tehran is no longer the regional bully. He stated that his administration maintained an unwavering commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and had dismantled its nuclear program. Trump also projected that a comprehensive diplomatic agreement with Tehran will be concluded after the upcoming November midterm elections. He outlined his approach to international diplomacy through prepared remarks released by the White House.

While others spoke, I acted. While others spoke of peace, I achieved it. While others ignored threats, I confronted them. While others spoke of courage, America showed it. While others promised strength, I used it to make America the most powerful country in the world.

Trump stated that the Iranian government had ruled through violence for 51 years before facing direct American resolve. He framed the broader foreign policy approach as part of a general national resurgence.

Two years ago our country was dead. Now we are in the golden age. We acted decisively to solve the world's problems.

Economic claims and federal directives

Turning to domestic affairs, Trump described the American economy as the envy of the world, pointing to investments, employment levels, and energy output. He cited public safety metrics in Washington D.C., claiming that local crime dropped 87% since his inauguration on 20 January of last year. Trump noted that the administration is targeting a 100% reduction in crime while pointing to full restaurants and increased tourism in the capital city. In addition to economic points, Trump announced a change regarding vocabulary in official federal computing documents. He instructed agencies to discontinue the phrase artificial intelligence in favor of super intelligence, stating he would not impede an innovation larger than the industrial revolution.

From this moment on, all United States documents, and hopefully those of the world, will be modified to use the much more precise term 'super' instead of 'artificial'. So it is super intelligence.

Media confrontation upon arrival

Before entering the United Nations headquarters, Trump confronted reporters outside the Glass Palace regarding press access. He directed remarks at CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, who questioned him about domestic opposition to the war in Iran. Trump challenged the presence of the network, citing an administration policy barring reporters from CNN, Politico, and Ms Now from White House access. Collins responded that the United Nations credentialing office issued media credentials for the General Assembly debate. Trump referenced a television pool boycott before proceeding into the hall for his scheduled address.