US President Donald Trump is set to take the stage at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He plans to trumpet his administration's achievements as both a peacemaker and a victorious leader. However, his address is heavily overshadowed by the persistent fallout from the stalled war against Iran. That conflict has already caused significant economic disruption, particularly with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources close to the administration suggest Trump won't hold back from his usual boasts. He's likely to declare the United States the "hottest country" in the world under his leadership. He's also expected to use the platform to justify the controversial Iran war. This is a conflict that hasn't yet met White House objectives and has led to widespread economic damage. Still, this self-proclaimed peacemaker might also highlight his efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and expand the Abraham Accords.
These accords aim to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
"No one knows what Trump is going to say, not even Trump’s speechwriters," noted Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group. Forti anticipates a contrast between Trump celebrating his peacemaking record and defending his military actions. The reception from world leaders remains uncertain.
This year’s UNGA High-level week kicks off with Trump’s keynote address. It's offering a prime opportunity to renew his frequent criticisms of the UN. Last year, his speech famously veered into a tirade about a malfunctioning escalator and a glitching teleprompter at UN headquarters. He accused the organization of sabotaging these. He has consistently attacked the UN and its Secretary-General, António Guterres.
Still, the US recently paid $725 million to its budget, avoiding the embarrassment of losing voting rights.
Trump is also expected to face skepticism regarding a new security deal for a US presence in Greenland. He had previously put intense pressure on Denmark, Greenland’s sovereign nation. This led to divisions within long-standing US alliances.
Beyond his main address, Trump is scheduled for side meetings with key global figures. These include Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi, and Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been governing under significant US pressure. This follows the capture of her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, by US forces in January.
Reflecting on last year's incidents, Trump recently recounted the escalator malfunction. He claimed it was deliberately shut off. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the escalator has been thoroughly inspected. New arrangements, including a separate booth for the teleprompter, have been made for the US delegation. These are intended to ensure a smoother experience.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who opens the week's speeches, is expected to address the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the numerous conflicts around the globe. He will be followed by Brazil's President Lula Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country traditionally speaks first. Given Trump's past support for Lula's political opponents, the Brazilian leader has stated he plans to tell Trump not to interfere in Brazil's upcoming elections.
US President Donald Trump is speaking at the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026. The US recently paid $725 million to the UN budget. Delcy Rodriguez is the interim leader of Venezuela following the capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Trump's speech follows an incident last year where he alleged sabotage of a UN escalator and teleprompter. The Strait of Hormuz closure has caused significant economic damage.