Trump gives a disciplined UN speech - self-praise as a peacemaker despite miserable poll numbers

What a contrast to Trump’s speech last year! Without a teleprompter, the US President complained about the United Nations and other states present in the hall. This time Trump read his speech from the teleprompter with surprising discipline and he even expressly thanked the UN Security Council twice.

The USA's threatened withdrawal from the United Nations a year ago is finally off the table. Also because Trump enjoys appearing on the world stage with a golden background.

But perhaps he also recognized that even a military superpower like America cannot solve conflicts like those in Gaza or the Strait of Hormuz alone. He has probably realized that his Peace Council, designed as an alternative to the UN, is not making any real progress in the Middle East. And Trump certainly regrets letting Israel get him involved in a war against Iran.

Self-praise as a peacemaker

The speech, which was only 40 minutes long this time, still contained enough statements to make you shake your head. His self-praise as a peacemaker who has already ended eight wars. Quoting hymns of praise that foreign heads of state have written to him. His self-image is that he is the only brave one who acts while everyone else just talks. Like his polemics against people who want to regulate artificial intelligence: For him, these are the same people who are spreading the - quote Trump - "hoax" about climate change.

Poll numbers are miserable

The fact that Trump appeared more statesmanlike this time is primarily due to domestic political reasons. Shortly before the congressional elections in November, the poll numbers for him and the Republicans are miserable. More than 70 percent of US citizens reject Trump's foreign policy. Above all, the constant attacks on America's allies and the chaotic customs policy are poorly received. The rejection of the war against Iran and the anger over the significantly increased gasoline and energy prices are even stronger.

That's why Trump wanted to use the United Nations stage to avoid further unsettling US citizens: more statesman and less disruption. The face-saving compromise in the Greenland dispute came at just the right time. Trump gratefully praised Denmark, Greenland and NATO, even though the new deal is not that different from the previous agreement.

Looking for a way out of a dead end

The same applies to the Iran War: Trump's threats of annihilation against the regime in Tehran sound shocking. But they must not obscure the fact that the US President is desperately looking for a way out of the impasse into which he has maneuvered himself and his country. The many discussions on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly can contribute to this.