In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, President Donald Trump of the United States rejected recognising Palestine as a sovereign state.
In his speech, Trump expressed his opposition to the recent recognition of Palestine by Western countries, describing it as a reward for attacks by Hamas. Nations such as France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have recently recognised Palestine. Trump aligned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s viewpoint and called for the release of all hostages taken during the attacks in 2023.
Trump emphasised strict migration policies and boasted about deportations. He criticised the UN for not supporting his peace efforts. His “America First” approach raised concerns among allies, signalling a shift away from traditional partnerships.
During his speech at the UN General Assembly, Trump claimed that Hamas was the one who rejected offers, and that recognizing Palestine as a state is a "reward to Hamas."
In fact, when Hamas was negotiating the latest Trump proposal, Israel bombarded them in Qatar, with many… pic.twitter.com/2N8TV3unXm
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 23, 2025
World leaders gave mixed reactions to Trump’s speech, with some viewing it as isolationist. Trump also mocked technical issues at the UN during his address. UN Secretary-General António Guterres plans to meet with Trump soon.
President Trump at the UN just berated those who recognised Palestine and called it a “reward for these horrible atrocities”. He said the world should have been united in one message:
“Release the hostages.”
Absolutely correct. pic.twitter.com/oi0x7AVqXA
— Heidi Bachram 🎗️ (@HeidiBachram) September 23, 2025
The speech came amid debates about the Gaza war, where over 65,000 Palestinians have died, according to local health officials. Trump’s remarks signal shifts in US policy. Tariffs on Russia could impact global trade, while rejecting Palestinian statehood could hinder peace talks. These positions test alliances and the UN’s role.
Read: France Officially Recognizes State of Palestine Amid UN Push for Peace
Trump’s UN speech warns Russia and rejects Palestine recognition, showing bold US moves. The world awaits reactions from allies.