World leaders laugh as Trump boasts of accomplishments during UN speech - Trump at UNGA demands OPEC members to contribute substantially to military protection

RT
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:35 UTC

© Timothy A. Clary / AFP

US President Donald Trump prompted unexpected laughs from world leaders when he told the United Nations General Assembly that the American economy is "booming like never before".

Trump said that he had accomplished more in two years than any administration ever had, but was surprised when the boast was met with laughter from other leaders in the room.

"I didn't expect that reaction, but that's OK," he said in response.

Trump went on to say that the US is now "stronger, safer and richer" than when he took office in January 2017 and said that his administration is "standing up for America" and "standing up for the world".

It's not fully clear whether Trump's statement or his reaction to an alleged cry from the audience in response to his words sent the leaders into laughter.

Later in his speech, Trump elicited more laughter from the audience after he warned that Germany could become "totally dependent on Russian energy" if it does not "immediately change course".

The camera quickly shifted to show the German delegation laughing at the suggestion.

Comment: US President Donald Trump has taken another hit at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He has demanded that member states should 'contribute substantially' for military protection provided by the US.

Trump's comments at the UN General Assembly come as oil hit a four-year high of $82 per barrel on Tuesday. Earlier, he repeatedly accused OPEC of "pushing for higher" crude prices despite the military protection provided by the US. The US president is against high oil prices, since they result in higher gasoline prices in America.

Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said that OPEC members were "as usual ripping off the rest of the world."

"I don't like it and nobody should like it. We defend many of these nations for nothing and then they take advantage of us by giving us high oil prices... We want them to start lowering prices... we are not going to put up with it, these horrible prices, much longer," he said.

"We defend many of these nations for nothing, and then they take advantage of us by giving us high oil prices. Not good."

See also: Trump demands OPEC lower oil prices, claims US 'protects' Middle East countries