'Rocket Man Is On A Suicide Mission': Trump Tough Talks North Korea At UN
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK (CBSMiami) – President Donald Trump urged each nation and its leaders to put their countries first.
"As president of the United States, I will always put America first," said President Trump during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly.
The president called on the group to reform if they want to be an 'effective partner' and deal with modern day problems such as terrorism, oppression and anti-democratic actions.
In quoting President Harry Truman, Trump reiterated the United Nations' success in dealing with modern day problems depends on "the independent strength of its members."
"There can be no substitute for strong, independent and sovereign nations," said Trump.
In a continued call for a more balanced burden, the president called on other member nations to take a 'greater role.'
"The United States bares an unfair cost burden," said Trump while asking for a more "fair" and "reciprocal" relationship. "The U.S. will forever be a great friend to the world and especially to its allies but we can no longer be taken advantage of."
The president shined a spotlight on North Korea's nuclear conflict, even calling the country's leader Kim Jong-Un a "rocket man."
"Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime,"the president said while adding that the United States must defend itself and its allies.
"We will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea," Trump warned the nation if they continue to work on their missile program.
"No nation on Earth has an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles," the president said.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he plans to meet separately with "concerned parties" this week on North Korea concerns.
Trump next took aim at the controversial Iran Nuclear Deal, calling it once again the worst and one-sided transaction the U.S. has ever entered into.
"We cannot abide by an agreement if it provides cover for the eventual construction of a nuclear program," said Trump.
Moving on from nuclear, the president called on the assembly to defend people who are oppressed in Cuba and Venezuela.
The president said they do not plan on lifting sanctions against the Cuban government until they make substantial reforms.
As for Venezuela, Trump called on the United Nations to condemn the Maduro regime for its anti-democratic actions that includes fraudulent elections, oppressing protesters and attempting to rewrite the country's constitution.
"The Venezuelan people are starving and its country is collapsing," said Trump."Be prepared to do more to address this very real crisis."
While pushing for stronger sovereign nations, the president asked the group to push for peace together.
"We will fight together, sacrifice together and stand together for peace," said Trump.