US President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak to world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a high-stakes engagement coming after several legal and political difficulties. His approval ratings have dropped below 40%, driven partly by concerns surrounding the economic impact of the Iran conflict.

President Trump faces backlash for barring CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. These media organizations have initiated legal action to regain their access. With midterm elections less than two months away, Trump aims to secure victories as he embarks on a diplomatic mission at the U.N. He will also host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.

In his speech at the U.N., Trump plans to present himself as a peacemaker, emphasizing peace agreements he has facilitated worldwide while justifying his stance on Iran. According to U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz, Trump will address complex global challenges directly and discuss the necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This speech ensures global leaders’ attention, as Trump often makes headlines with his remarks.

Trump’s previous appearances at the U.N. have stirred reactions. In 2017, he threatened to obliterate North Korea. In his second year, he claimed unprecedented accomplishments by his administration, drawing laughter from some leaders. Last year, he criticized the U.N. and issued a stark warning to its members.

Trump might also bring up a new security agreement with Denmark concerning Greenland. His decision to strike Iran will be a focal point of his address, occurring in the presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who will speak after Trump.

Alongside formal speeches, significant diplomatic activity will occur outside the assembly sessions. Trump plans to meet with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Gulf leaders, and Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Richard Fontaine, head of the Center for a New American Security, highlights the significance of private meetings in shaping diplomatic outcomes.

The U.N. Security Council struggles to reach agreements on vital issues. Artificial intelligence remains a significant topic; a U.N. panel has called for stricter regulations on AI agents, urging global consensus on controlling this technology’s advancement.

The absence of President Xi in New York for discussions complicates efforts. Heather Conley notes that while leaders articulate their visions in New York, the world’s attention will be on Washington due to Xi’s scheduled visit for a state dinner with Trump.