Global tensions and domestic battles dominate UN opening and US political scene
Donald Trump returns to the UN amid rising worries over Iran, AI and the organization’s future, while US politics sees Kamala Harris backing a progressive Senate hopeful and multiple legal fights involving the president.
The United Nations opened its yearly gathering with Donald Trump delivering a speech that highlighted growing anxieties about Iran’s actions, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and doubts about the UN’s own relevance. Diplomats described the international arena as messy, troubled and unpredictable. In the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris worked to lift progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed in a closely watched Michigan Senate contest.
Parallel diplomatic threads saw Trump and Chinese President Xi spar over AI, trade and Iran while still seeking to keep bilateral relations steady, and South Korean President Lee advocated a step-by-step plan for North Korea’s nuclear disarmament. The week also featured Russia’s and Ukraine’s deadly strikes ahead of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump, a near-miss conflict over Greenland’s flag, lawsuits by media outlets accusing Trump of violating the First Amendment by denying White House access, the inauguration of a new White House helipad, and continued subpoenas in the investigation of Trump’s alleged grand conspiracy after the lead prosecutor’s departure.
Why it matters
These developments shape global security, US election dynamics and the balance of power between major nations.
How this story developed
- Sep 19 Press‑freedom groups are preparing legal challenges to the announced ban.
- Sep 19 President Donald Trump acted on his threat to bar certain outlets, preventing MS NOW journalists from entering the White House on Saturday.
- Sep 19 An MS NOW producer’s badge worked while a photographer’s badge was deactivated.
- Sep 20 UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced that the escalator used by Donald and Melania Trump during a previous UN appearance has been re-examined to prevent another malfunction. The agency also installed new measures to ensure the teleprompter works smoothly for the US delegation. Officials said they hope the technical fixes will allow an uninterrupted speech.
- Sep 21 Three news organizations filed a lawsuit after the Trump administration barred their reporters from the White House, citing First Amendment violations.
- Sep 21 Major broadcasters stopped their joint White House pool coverage after the ban.
- Sep 22 The White House opened the “Trump TV” YouTube channel.
- Sep 22 The UN announced additional technical checks before Trump’s speech.
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