Trump questions UN's purpose

One year after President Trump asked what the UN's purpose is, the General Assembly meets again in Manhattan with roughly 130 world leaders attending.

“What is the purpose of the United Nations?”

Big leaders, bigger meetings

Trump, Zelenskyy, Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the speakers scheduled. But the real diplomacy happens in one-on-one meetings between foreign leaders.

The UN faces a crisis moment

The organization is dealing with a severe budget shortfall caused largely by Trump's refusal to pay America's full dues, while facing criticism over its inability to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.

The veto problem explained

The five permanent Security Council members can block resolutions unilaterally. Russia vetoed a Ukraine resolution in 2022, and the US vetoed a Gaza ceasefire demand in 2025.

Gridlock is nothing new

Security Council dysfunction isn't recent. During the Cold War, vetoes were routine. Even UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledges the council needs reform, but this pattern is historical.

The UN is much bigger than the Security Council

The organization runs a sprawling humanitarian apparatus providing food, cash aid, medical care, and other assistance to millions. In Gaza alone last year, it provided clean water to 1.6 million people and distributed almost 55 million dollars in cash assistance.

What the UN actually does

While Security Council gridlock makes headlines, the UN's real impact happens quietly through humanitarian work that rarely gets attention but helps millions survive.