NEW YORK — Last week, the world watched on with interest and apprehension as leaders from around the world assembled in the Big Apple to discuss the major issues of our times at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly. For the first time ever, President Donald J. Trump joined his fellow heads of state at the presidium of diplomacy. Bringing with him his customary flair and flavor, the President made more than a few waves during his visit.
Knowing all eyes would be on him to begin with, President Trump made a grand entrance to the United Nations General Assembly last week. Swooping down to the speaker’s podium on a hang-glider which had been custom made for the event, Trump sought not just to capture his audience’s attention with a show of American aerial power, but also to remind them of the “America First” agenda, embodied by his campaign slogan.
Standing before the General Assembly, President Trump addressed a number topics over the course of his forty-one minute speech. Covering all of the expected diplomatic topics from North Korea to Iran and Venezuela, few informed onlookers would have been surprised by the President’s strongly-worded address, which was delivered with all of the bravado which the world has come to expect. Then something happened that nobody saw coming! Looking away from his prepared remarks, Trump shocked all those in attendance by inviting Sir Elton John to the stage to perform his 1972 hit track “Rocket Man.” Though met by mostly subdued applause, critics agree that the performance was for the most part favorably received.
Over the course of several days of meetings with heads of state and other dignitaries from around the world, the President sought to reach new agreements and strengthen foreign ties. Though the dialogue was sometimes tense, this was not the case across the board. Discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar seemed to go exceedingly well with the two leaders exchanging a fist-bump before parting, a move which has given some analysts hope that the United States may soon speak of having not just allies in the Middle East, but bros as well.
