UN speech threatens to 'totally destroy' North Korea, calls Kim Jong Un 'Rocket Man on a suicide mission'

In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump threatened to 'totally destroy North Korea' if forced to defend the U.S. or its allies, saying 'Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.' The bellicose rhetoric shocked diplomats and escalated nuclear tensions. Trump called Kim Jong Un 'Rocket Man' and warned of 'unthinkable loss of human life.' The North Korean ambassador left before Trump's speech; his delegation's seats remained empty. Trump also called the Iran nuclear deal 'an embarrassment to the United States' and 'one of the worst and most one-sided transactions.' The speech prioritized threats and insults over diplomacy at the world's premier diplomatic forum.

"The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime." — UN General Assembly speech, September 19, 2017