In his debut address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would "always put America first."

  • President Donald Trump addresses UN General Assembly
  • Calls North Korea leader Kim Jong Un 'Rocket Man' again
  • Also said Iranian government a 'murderous regime'

Elected on the nationalist slogan "America first," Trump used his debut address to the U.N. General Assembly to argue that individual nations should act in their own self-interest, yet rally together when faced with a common threat such as North Korea.

Trump said he will "defend America's interests above all else."

He also said the U.S. will "forever be a great friend to the world," but the U.S. won't be taken advantage of and get nothing in return.

The discussion on foreign policy took place at the organization's New York headquarters.

Trump said the United States will have no choice but to "totally destroy'' North Korea if the U.S. is forced to defend itself or its allies against the North's aggression.

Just two days ago, the president called North Korea’s Kim Jung Un "Rocket Man" in a tweet.

Trump also called Syria's government a "criminal regime" and the Iranian government an "economically depleted rogue state" and "murderous regime" whose chief export is violence.

Before Trump's speech, some weighed in with advice for the president, including Delaware Democratic Sen. Chris Coons.

“He needs to show he can be a world leader, rise above name-calling on Twitter or blustering or threatening speeches," Coons advised.

While the White House tweeted about Monday's first meeting at the U.N., calling it productive, the president has been highly critical of the U.N. in the past. Trump tweeted about their “cheap marble tiles." He also criticized their approach to ending major conflicts around the world.


Trump has also frequently questioned the value of a robust American presence around the world. When briefed on the government’s diplomatic, military and intelligence posts, the new president would often cast doubt on the need for all the resources.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.