Full Transcript: USA President Donald Trump Addresses the 74th Session of the United Nations - September 24, 2019
"Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished delegates, ambassadors and world leaders, seven decades of history have passed through this hall in all of their richness and drama. Where I stand, the world has heard from presidents and premiers at the height of the Cold War. We have seen the foundation of nations. We have seen the ringleaders of revolution.
We have beheld saints who inspired us with hope, rebels who stirred us with passion and heroes who emboldened us with courage all here to share plans, proposals, visions and ideas on the world's biggest stage. Like those who met us before, our time is one of great contests, high stakes and clear choices.
The essential divide that runs all around the world and throughout history is once again, thrown into stark relief. It is the divide between those whose thirst for control deludes them into thinking they are destined to rule over others and those people and nations who want only to rule themselves. I have the immense privilege of addressing you today as the elected leader of a nation that prizes liberty, independence and self-government above all.
The United States, after having spent over $2.5 trillion since my election, to completely rebuild our great military, is also, by far, the world's most powerful nation. Hopefully it will never have to use this power. Americans know that in a world where others seek conquest and domination, our nation must be strong in wealth, in might and in spirit.
That is why the United States vigorously defends the traditions and customs that have made us who we are. Like my beloved country, each nation represented in this hall has a cherished history, culture and heritage that is worth defending and celebrating, and which gives us our singular potential and strength.
The free world must embrace its national foundations. It must not attempt to erase them or replace them. Looking around and all over, this large, magnificent planet, the truth is plain to see. If you want freedom, take pride in your country. If you want democracy, hold on to your sovereignty. And if you want peace, love your nation.
Wise leaders always put the good of their own people and their own country first. The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots. The future belongs to sovereign and independent nations who protect their citizens, respect their neighbors and honor