US President Donald Trump will deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next month, the White House confirmed. “The president will travel to New York City on September 22 to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 23,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

This will be Trump’s first appearance at the UNGA since beginning his second term in January. His address is expected to focus on his “America First” trade agenda. He is likely to defend punitive tariffs, calling them essential for protecting US interests.

Trump’s Past UNGA Appearances

Trump spoke at the UNGA several times during his first term from 2017 to 2021. Each time, he pushed his tough “America First” line.

His debut in 2017 was especially aggressive. He warned that the US could “totally destroy North Korea” if provoked and mocked Kim Jong-un as “Rocket Man.” He also attacked Iran’s leadership and described the nuclear deal as an “embarrassment.”

In 2018, Trump strongly defended nationalism and dismissed globalism. In 2019, he repeated his focus on sovereignty, tariffs against China, and security concerns linked to Iran and immigration. By 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic spread, he gave a short pre-recorded speech blaming China for the virus’s global impact.

Modi May Speak at UNGA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name is also on a provisional list of UNGA speakers. This indicates he is expected to attend and deliver a speech in New York. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet confirmed his visit.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on X that he discussed plans for a personal meeting with Modi at the UNGA in September.

To prepare for the visit, India has reached out to the UN headquarters to secure a speaking slot for the Prime Minister. As of now, Modi is scheduled to address the Assembly on the morning of September 26.