Trump Criticizes European Policies at UN General Assembly
US President Donald Trump launched a pointed critique of European migration and energy policies during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2025, while also commenting on the ongoing discussions surrounding Palestinian statehood and NATO’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, reports 24brussels.
“Europe is in deep trouble. They’re being invaded by illegal aliens,” Trump stated, calling for an end to what he termed the “failed experiment with open borders.” He asserted, “Your countries are going to hell because of illegal immigration,” highlighting what he described as high numbers of foreign nationals in Swiss prisons and criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Trump further condemned European climate initiatives, claiming that the “green revolution” is pushing nations toward “the brink of disaster” and labeling climate change as “the biggest scam ever devised against humanity.” His remarks, which extended nearly an hour beyond the allocated 15 minutes, rapidly shifted across various topics including crime in Washington, DC, and oil drilling in the North Sea.
Recognising Palestine
On matters concerning the Middle East, Trump expressed strong opposition to recent acknowledgments of Palestinian statehood by the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, arguing that such actions reward “horrific atrocities” committed by Hamas. He criticized the group’s refusal to release hostages or accept a ceasefire.
Currently, around 150 of the UN’s 193 member states recognize Palestine, although divisions remain within Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declined to support French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative and postponed her trip to New York. Similarly, the Netherlands, Greece, and Germany, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz opting to send his foreign minister instead, withheld backing.
Conversely, nations like Portugal, Malta, Luxembourg, and Belgium are advocating for recognition, yet EU governments have yet to establish a unified stance.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for a two-state solution on X, stating, “Lasting peace in the Middle East will never be built through more violence. We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an immediate & unconditional release of all hostages & unhindered humanitarian access.” Guterres emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only viable path for enduring peace.
Nobel Peace Prize Remarks
Macron also weighed in during an interview from New York, suggesting that Trump’s aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize are tied to the current conflict. “I see an American president who is motivated,” Macron remarked, adding that the Nobel Peace Prize is achievable only if the conflict is resolved. He noted France’s official recognition of Palestine but asserted that true statehood will only come when Israel recognizes it.
Stance on Russia and Ukraine
Trump made headlines regarding NATO, asserting that alliance members should be ready to engage Russian aircraft if they violate airspace. “Yes, I do,” he affirmed when questioned on the matter during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Assembly.
