On Assignment UNGA and global diplomacy in the Trump era
Sep 27, 2025
Join Michelle Nichols, United Nations Bureau Chief for Reuters, and Don Durfee, U.S. foreign policy editor, as they explore the high-stakes environment of the UN General Assembly. They share humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes about press life, and delve into Trump's shifting rhetoric on Ukraine. The duo discusses the implications of U.S. skepticism towards global institutions and the international fallout from Trump's comments on migration and climate. They also touch on diplomatic reactions to Trump's policies and hopeful signs of engagement in Gaza and Ukraine.
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Inconsistent U.S. Signals Create Diplomatic Unease
- Don Durfee highlights Trump's shifting rhetoric on Ukraine, causing uncertainty about actual U.S. policy.
- Allies worry because inconsistent U.S. signals make coordinated international responses difficult.
Skepticism, Not Simple Isolationism
- Don Durfee explains Trump is skeptical of multilateral institutions but not uniformly isolationist.
- That skepticism manifests as inconsistent engagement that unsettles allies who rely on steady U.S. leadership.
Critique And Embrace Of The UN
- Michelle Nichols notes Trump criticizes the UN yet meets the Secretary-General and claims to back the UN "100%".
- He alternates between demanding UN reform and asserting support, reflecting a dual stance.