Trump tells UN ‘America is back’, warns of military action to protect US interests

United Nations: US President Donald Trump, addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, declared that “America is back” and claimed the country was stronger than ever, while warning that Washington would use its military power to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Welcoming world leaders and delegates to the United States, Trump highlighted the country's 250th anniversary celebrations and spoke about what he described as renewed American economic, military and technological strength.

“It's my great honour to welcome the world to America as we celebrate 250 years of glorious freedom and independence. I can report to you with pride that America is back, and our country is stronger today than ever before. Our economy is the envy of the world. Our military is the most powerful on Earth. Our technology is second to none, and we are leading in virtually everything. Our energy is fueling the planet...”

Trump says US has invested more in military than ever before

Trump said the United States had invested more money in its military over the previous 12 months than ever before, and claimed spending during his current term would reach $1.5 trillion.

Trump said, “The entire world is being lifted by the wealth, strength, spirit, and momentum of a newly energised and very powerful United States of America.”

He also reiterated that the United States had emerged stronger under his leadership.

“America is back, and our country is stronger today than ever before,” Trump said.

"...While others have spoken of peace, I have made peace. While others have ignored threats, I have confronted them. While others have talked of courage, America has shown it. While others have promised strength, I have used it to make America the most powerful country in the world,” he added. 

Trump warns Latin America of US ‘military might’

In extracts of Trump's UN speech released by the White House ahead of his address, the US president warned that Washington would use its military power to protect what he described as vital American interests in the Western Hemisphere.

“The United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. And if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” Trump was to say, according to the extracts.

Trump was also expected to accuse Cuba of having “cultivated ties” with left-wing groups in the United States.

The US president was scheduled to meet interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later Tuesday.

Trump's address was also expected to focus on Iran and the conflict in West Asia. According to the speech extracts released by the White House, Trump was to argue that the United States had to act to prevent what he called the “vile regime” in Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.