During his recent address at the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump quickly captivated the gathered world leaders with humor. Opening his speech, he made light of technical difficulties with a broken escalator and malfunctioning teleprompters in the UN building. Drawing laughter from attendees, Trump remarked, “Thank you very much, I very much appreciate it,” as applause filled the chamber. His willingness to embrace the situation was evident as he said, “I don’t mind making this speech without a teleprompter because the teleprompter is not working.”
Trump’s self-effacing humor resonated through the audience as he joked about the teleprompter operator being “in big trouble.” He continued to acknowledge the absurdity of the situation, saying, “I feel very happy to be up here with you nevertheless, and that way you speak more from the heart.” This moment of levity set a tone that persisted throughout his address.
Later in the speech, Trump shared his frustrations with the UN regarding global conflicts. He stated, “I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of these countries and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help in finalizing the deal.” His bluntness cut through the formality typical of such gatherings, as he expressed disappointment in what he received from the UN: “All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle.”
Speaking candidly, he recalled the precarious moment on the malfunctioning escalator, saying, “If the first lady wasn’t in great shape she would’ve fallen.” Then, he added with humor, “These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter.” Trump’s mix of humor and critique effectively highlighted his dissatisfaction with international organizations while also engaging the audience.
Throughout the address, Trump maintained focus on larger issues, such as immigration and global climate policies. He issued a warning to European nations, cautioning them about the pitfalls of tolerating illegal immigration. Alongside this, he criticized the global climate agenda, dismissing it as a “con job.” The juxtaposition of humor and serious political commentary illustrated Trump’s unique style that both entertained and informed the audience.
As the address unfolded, it became clear that Trump aimed to position himself as a leader who values direct communication over formalities. His willingness to joke in front of global leaders showcased a more personable side, while his critical comments on the UN and climate policies emphasized his assertive approach to international relations. This balance of lightheartedness and robust critique kept the audience engaged and receptive to his message.
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