World leaders and diplomats laughed at President Donald Trump’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York Tuesday when he claimed his administration has accomplished more than any other in US history.
“In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country,” Trump said, prompting laughter.
Responding to the laughs, Trump said, “Didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s OK.”
Laughter in the United Nations General Assembly after President Donald Trump says his administration “has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history” of the United States https://t.co/jzmYciOs5K pic.twitter.com/nzeE7DHCfQ
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) September 25, 2018
Trump often criticized former President Barack Obama’s approach to foreign affairs and claimed the world was “laughing” at the US under Obama’s leadership.
In 2014, Trump tweeted: “We need a President who isn’t a laughing stock to the entire World. We need a truly great leader, a genius at strategy and winning. Respect!”
But Trump’s bombastic foreign policy has faced significant criticism at home and abroad, and polls have shown a majority of Americans feel the US has lost respect around the globe under his leadership. Trump’s unilateral approach to foreign affairs has marked a stark contrast from his predecessor.
Correspondingly, Trump has had a troubled relationship with the UN, an institution he’s at times characterized as unnecessary and ineffectual. Trump has drawn ire from the UN over his attacks on the press and decisions such as withdrawing from the landmark Paris climate accord, among other issues.
Trump used his speech on Tuesday to tout his administration’s accomplishments, decry US adversaries like Iran, and touch on issues over which he’s long expressed concern, such as global trade and mass migration.
