Trump says U.N. just a club for people to ‘have a good time’
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump departed after attending a Christmas Eve service at the Church of Bethesda-by-the Sea in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Saturday.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. >> Days after the United Nations voted to condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, Donald Trump questioned its effectiveness today, saying it’s just a club for people to “have a good time.”
The president-elect wrote on Twitter that the U.N. has “such great potential,” but it has become “just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. So sad!”
On Friday, Trump warned, “As to the U.N., things will be different after Jan. 20th,” referring to the day he takes office.
The decision by the Obama administration to abstain from Friday’s U.N. vote brushed aside Trump’s demands that the U.S. exercise its veto and provided a climax to years of icy relations with Israel’s leadership.
Trump told The Associated Press last December that he wanted to be “very neutral” on Israel-Palestinian issues. But his tone became decidedly more pro-Israel as the presidential campaign progressed. He has spoken disparagingly of Palestinians, saying they have been “taken over” by or are condoning militant groups.
Trump’s tweet today about the U.N. ignores much of the work that goes on in the 193-member global organization.
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This year the U.N. Security Council has approved over 70 legally binding resolutions, including new sanctions on North Korea and measures tackling conflicts and authorizing the U.N.’s far-flung peacekeeping operations around the world. The General Assembly has also approved dozens of resolutions on issues, like the role of diamonds in fueling conflicts; condemned human rights abuses in Iran and North Korea; and authorized an investigation of alleged war crimes in Syria.
Trump’s criticism of the U.N. is by no means unique. While the organization does engage in large-scale humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts, its massive bureaucracy has long been a source of controversy. The organization has been accused by some Western governments of being inefficient and frivolous, while developing nations have said it is overly influenced by wealthier nations.
Trump tweeted later today, “The world was gloomy before I won — there was no hope. Now the market is up nearly 10 percent and Christmas spending is over a trillion dollars!”
Markets are up since Trump won the general election, although not quite by that much. The Standard & Poor’s 500 is up about 6 percent since Election Day, while the Dow has risen more than 8 percent.
As for holiday spending, auditing and accounting firm Deloitte projected in September that total 2016 holiday sales were expected to exceed $1 trillion, representing a 3.6 percent to 4.0 percent increase in holiday sales from November through January.
Finally, Trump took to Twitter again late today to complain about media coverage of his charitable foundation. He wrote that of the “millions of dollars” he has contributed to or raised for the Donald J. Trump Foundation, all of it “is given to charity, and media won’t report.”
Trump said Saturday he will dissolve his charitable foundation before taking office to avoid conflicts of interest. The New York attorney general’s office has been investigating the foundation following media reports that foundation spending went to benefit Trump’s campaign.
The president-elect is spending the holidays at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
84 responses to “Trump says U.N. just a club for people to ‘have a good time’”
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One of the first things Trump should do is to exit the UN and send them packing. Peacekeeping efforts? That’s a good one. The UN has a pretty pathetic record when it come to peacekeeping.
And in walks the genius.
You know Trump maybe right about this one. Lots of nice dinners and parties.
Trumpf knows a lot about men’s clubs. Got hundreds attached to his Golf resorts that hand out cigars and vulgar tones. Sit around doing nothing but talk about grabbing P. Lol.
The UH has prevented a nuclear holocaust and prevented a lot of conflict in the world by the good works of its many humanitarian agencies.
Don’t get discouraged on here. The ignorance is really breathtaking, but there are some good teaching opportunities also.
since when did the university of Hawaii ever prevented a nuclear holocaust.
Strongly CONCUR CEI !
Trump warned, “As to the U.N., things will be different after Jan. 20th,”
Gosh I sure do hope so.
POTUS 45 with the able assistance of the 115th Congress would do well to cut of all funding to this noxious anti-American, anti-Semitic swill dispenser, give the deadbeat occupants 90 days to clear out, fumigate the place and turn it into something useful, like a premier shelter for the homeless.
No doubt the UN would find more agreeable accommodations in places like Caracas, Havana, Sanaa, Pyongyang, or Port au Prince.
Thankfully, you will never be in any kind of a decision making position.
Ignorance and selfishness. Utter ignorance.
Mr. Trump doesn’t begin to understand the UN’s work done around the world to prevent hunger and poverty and war.
Given enormously turbid cauldron of hunger, poverty and war now engulfing the world, looks like the UN is not doing such a hot job.
More reason than ever for Uncle Sam to dump it, quit paying the freight, and tell the delegates not to let the doorknob hit them in the [redacted] on the way out.
Thanks for validating my position.
Spot on. Been saying the same thing for forty years. Send the worthless jokers packing!
Yes, it’s really clear that you’re a scholar on the workings of the U.N.
It may be everything you say, but the UN has also been the vehicle for some useful peacekeeping and foreign aid.
In addition, having a place to talk things over is by itself a good idea.
However, I think this recent UN action illustrates a naive anti-Israel view of the MidEast, and under no circumstances should UN decisions assumed to be more than advisory, and never assumed to be the repository of wisdom.
If I am remembering correctly, half of UN member states are represented by what I would call illegitimate governments (not elected,etc.)
The UN should NOT be viewed as some kind of world government to which we should acquiesce.
I think the Israel settlements are a reasonable way to neutralize an area which, if turned into a fully separate and independent state would become a launching pad for terrorists and threaten the existence of Israel. After all, the Palestinians and their allies have been saying that their goal is to destroy Israel, and teaching it to their children, since day one. Even if the Palestinians now say they have changed their mind, I would not believe it, or expect that it could be sustained.
Exactly, look at what occurred after Israel “gave up” the Gaza strip. The olive groves, and other agricultural sites were immediately destroyed and used as launching pads for missiles, and tunnels.
Cricket_Amos – Who, exactly, wrote or said that the United States should recognize the UN as a “world government to which we should acquiesce.” Take your time. You won’t be able to find anything, because you just made that up.
You make up a lot of things and then build arguments around the lies you invent. Does that work for you elsewhere?
Read it again
This is presented as an extreme position to which we should not be led
Trump is speaking like a true dictator in waiting. When he takes office, he will want to dissolve everything and declare himself king of the planet. He’ll probably want to turn the UN building in New York into another Trump hotel.
IRT CEI, fully agree with your post. The U.N. was Chartered for “Peace” and has failed their primary Mission.
They haven’t actually, but you can think what you want. Governments need a single place to come together on an equal plane to discuss conflicts before they turn violent. In most cases, the UN does what it’s supposed to do.
IRT Klastri, then maybe the U.N. must re-organize under a new Charter, one similar to the Constitution of the United States of America, where each independent Country becomes a member with equal vote as a Federated World of Country’s and funded by equal contribution by population. The Security Council is a huge failure with all the games being played. And, any Country confirmed starting a conflict where citizens are killed are automatically removed from membership and censored.
kuroiwaj – I’m sorry and sad that you think all nations should have an equal vote. The U.S. is a permanent member of the Security Council and gets special powers. I don’t think we should give up that standing.
Obviously, countries could not contribute by population. Poor nations have trouble getting water to their people (so do failed Republicans in Flint, Michigan) and should not have to pay as much per person as the U.S. pays.
I think you meant censured.
IRT Klastri, mahalo for supporting my position on the United Nations.
The stupidity of this man knows no bounds.
Mirror, mirror
On the wall
Reveal to bsdetection
How far his fall
Trumpf should stick to things he does best, work the bankrupt system.
Mr. Trump (like most of his followers) have no idea what the UN does. The UN operates the International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and other agencies.
I can understand the fact that his supporters don’t know anything, but the President-elect of the United States should know something. Anything would be a really big improvement. It’s still hard to believe that Trump – a complete ignoramus and psychotic – will be the President.
Well gee whiz. I had no idea the UN touched our lives in so many ways. It’s scary enough having to go through life without Barry Hussein’s guiding hand. I see now that the UN is almost as essential as BHO is to a functioning totalitarian society. Thank you for the education.
I know that you had no idea. You’ve proven that over and over again. But despite knowing nothing, you apparently feel compelled to comment on subjects you know nothing about. It’s a remarkable trait for an adult.
You’re welcome.
Okay, I’m convinced. So much so that I’m willing as I’m sure you are to allow the UN to tax me directly so that they might continue their good works. In fact I’m so convinced that I think state and local governments should have UN “political officers” (like the old Soviet Union had) to ensure compliance with UN directives.
I don’t know what your problem is Klastri, but I bet its hard to pronounce.
You so smart please explain why US should pay about a third of the cost of the UN while 190 other countries pay so little? Just so they can get together and vote against the US?
Kastri
Re: “The UN operates the International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Monetary Fund,”
I believe that the IMF is not operated by the UN. I think it operates independently with its own Board, rules, headquarters etc.
Some of the other organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, have important responsibilities but also have adopted left wing social engineering policies. Those who do not share their politics may think this kind of stuff has no place in such an organization, and should not be forced on to Americans by UN bureaucrats.
Cricket_Amos – Yes, of course. We all know how “left wing” the concept of nuclear non-proliferation is. Thanks for that great analysis. I’m comforted by the fact that you are not in a decision making position in our government.
This is directly from the IMF: “The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are institutions in the United Nations system. They share the same goal of raising living standards in their member countries. Their approaches to this goal are complementary, with the IMF focusing on macroeconomic issues and the World Bank concentrating on long-term economic development and poverty reduction.”
Denominator – The U.S. actually pays 22% of the budget.
Your question makes it obvious that you don’t know what the U.N. does or why it’s good for the United States. Some basic research would help you answer your own question.
If the U.S. wants to be a world leader, than we need to act like a world leader. That won’t be easy with a psychotic spoiled 13 year-old as President. Trump is already proving that every single person who voted for him should be deeply ashamed of what they have done.
nalogirl – You’ve shown here that you know nothing, so I really couldn’t care less what you think of me or my comments. If you would rather not read them, then try mustering up the strength to not read them.
Think you can manage that?
Wrong again klastri
No one said that nuclear non proliferation was a left wing idea
Go to their web site and read it again
Trump – a complete ignoramus and psychotic
Have you the slightest idea how amusing it is to observe a pompous, self conflated [redacted] trying in vain, ever since November 8, to climb out of the deep hole he dug for himself?
By all means DO continue to make a witless spectacle of yourself.
As I’ve written many times here, I underestimated the number of gullible people there were in the states that Mr. Trump needed to win for an electoral college victory. There is some comfort however in knowing that Mrs. Clinton received nearly three million more votes nationally than did Mr. Trump. So at least the majority of voters aren’t like you.
Again with your ridiculous comments about the UN, you prove that you are completely ignorant of world affairs. Zero knowledge. I feel sorry for you.
Trump is a 70 year old psychotic who acts like a 13 year old psychotic. Not a happy time for United States.
I ask again. Why are you still here? Losers must take their lumps so stop whining about everything Mr Trump does. He is our next President and the UN has been a complete failure. Trump 2020
▪ Not a happy time for United States
What’s not to be happy about?
After all, the NORMAL folks of this country can now rejoice that:
>> Felony Shrillary got her clock cleaned by a guy who had never even held political office;
>> A true patriotic American won against all odds, a man who – – unlike the current occupant of the White House – – does NOT hate America, but will do all in his considerable power to make America great again;
>> Perhaps best of all, that pretentious, pompous, preening, pejorative spouting lightweights like you are determined to continue infantilizing yourselves to the vast and great amusement of many.
Hey Klastri, do you know how to keep a whining loser to wait? I’ll tell you tomorrow! Hahahahaha
@ nalogirl
HA! ^5
So true klastri, the other trumpf voters were true repugs that really hated to make that vote. They are the silent trumpy’s sitting and waiting for disaster. These bragfarts will become silent as conflict $ come front and center. Like Mitch, “We will Battle him at Every Issue”.
klastri, how does it feel to always consider yourself the smartest guy in the room?
AhiPoke – It actually feels pretty good.
I usually am, unless my wife is also in the room. So I’m used to it.
Wow, Klastri, I read all your posts and it seems you’re a very angry person, and probably a “hothead”. I believe you’d be more convincing if you just weren’t so nasty to everyone you disagree with. The name calling doesn’t help either.
cajaybird – Great advice. I won’t follow any of it, but thanks anyway.
I’ve written off trying to convince Trump voters about anything. If they would vote for him after seeing how psychotic he is, they aren’t going to learn anything from me, or anyone else for that matter. A lost cause.
If you don’t care to read my comments, you probably shouldn’t read them.
sarge22 – No, that’s not the way it works. For instance, you whined like a nine year old child about everything President Obama did. Right?
actually trump won the popular vote take away the 4 million or more non us citizens who voted for Hillary mainly California. so trump won the popular vote legally.
Trump’s ignorance is alarming, but not surprising. While the un is not perfect, it’s so important for countries to talk to each other and cooperate in mutual endeavors, rather than in competition. Trump has so much to learn and it’s disturbing that he seems unwilling to look past his preconceptions and prejudices.
It has been my impression that President-Elect Trump says things that at first sound startling but upon reflection are realized have an important element of truth.
When he gets to the nub, it is threatening to some people.
I think that he has a knack for seeing past the political correctness, the comfortable establishment expectations, and the low-dimensional fabricated realities of the ideologues.
It may not come out smooth and polished, but perhaps that is the nature of original insight.
I reminds me a little of a supposed Picasso quote “First I do it and then someone does it pretty”.
It’s a dangerous way to change things…. incremental is better. He may cause another war.
Perhaps the goal has to be a clear break, but the strategy incremental?
He seems to be scamming the public, with his outlandish tweeting statements. He knows how to use the media to his advantage, to get his name in public. He manipulates the media. If they stopped reporting on his tweeting, we can enjoy the Holidays!
The other day I watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
For those of you who do not recall the plot:
A new senator wants to carry out some kind of reform in his home state that is opposed by the establishment.
The press is sold out to the establishment and blocks any accurate reporting.
The senator is not able to get past this.
(I will not spoil it by repeating the ending)
Trump used tweets to go around them.
This may have been an historical event, an end to the singular political influence of the networks and the press.
His tweets are immature and offensive. Nothing diplomatic about his vision only self serving and fueled by arrogance. The Pied Piper has been reincarnated and the ra-s are falling in line behind him
Except that Mr. Smith didn’t act like a spoiled 13 year-old with a profound personality disorder. Mr. Smith didn’t stay up nights dreaming up vendettas to launch against people who would dare to question his greatness and perfection.
Great analysis!
Thanks!
The point was the effect of tweets on the political process independently of your opinion of what was in them
Cricket_Amos – Well, sure. If you ignore the words that he is tweeting, he does sound less mentally ill.
After reading wikipedia, it sure seems like the UN is good for nothing. The UN has spent one trillion dollars in its years of existance and the majority of that money came from the US. It is worth noting that the ambassador to Israel says they have evidence that they will present that THEUS interfered with the Palestinevote. Sounds like another DNC scandal.
Well what better source for knowledge and scholarship than Wikipedia?
Better than yours.
Are you ten years old?
Nalogirl I’m sure you know that there are many more credible sources of references other than Wikipedia unless you are truly ten yeas old.
Agree Klastri but nothing to be surprised about since the Chumps sole source of reference is the National Enquirer.
It’s still hard to believe that adults voted for him.
Adults only by age and not by mentality like the Chump
IRT Klastri, and the adult citizens of the United States by State voted for President elect Donald J. Trump, ending with 306 electoral votes. And, may I add, President elect Donald J. Trump ended up with the majority of popular votes, less the total votes from the States of California and New York.
kuroiwaj – I see. “And, may I add, President elect Donald J. Trump ended up with the majority of popular votes, less the total votes from the States of California and New York.” Why end there? How about subtracting more states? I’m sure you can subtract enough to give Trump the landslide the people here have been lying about. How about trying that?
Your comment, of course, makes absolutely no sense. Zero.
Kind of a nonsensical argument don’t you think? It’s like saying clinton won the electoral college vote if you subtract the votes from texas or any combination of other states.
Trump is so funny…. he doesn’t know much about the UN and yet he wants to make policy for it.
More scary than funny since he’s the PE.
I’d rather have Trump be the first US president to hold the UN accountable than have the UN make policy for Americans.
What policies has the UN made “for Americans?”
The UN Arms Trade Treaty which seeks to track firearm end users. i.e. a UN firearms registry for American citizens.
CEI – That treaty does not affect the right to keep and bear arms in any member state and does not apply to domestic commerce in firearms.
It really helps to know what you’re talking about before choosing something like that. How about trying again? You’re bound to get it right sooner or later.
Well after all this negativity, I just want to tell all Trump supporters, thank you for having the courage to vote for Trump while constantly being viciously verbally attacked. Lets enjoy January 20, 2017 hland celebrate our new President!
I didn’t support nor vote for Trump but I find it extremely amusing to see all of these self-proclaimed brilliant know-it-all anti-Trump people attempt to dislodge their wedgies. These people are so smug in not only believing they know everything but they want you to only do what they tell you to do. Hilarious!!! Even Uncle Joe Biden opined about the democratic elitist being one of the reasons why they lost but, instead of being humbled, these guys are doubling down. LOL
Smug and arrogant progressives unmasked. It ain’t pretty is it? To get inside the mind of a typical cookie cutter progressive you have to understand the concept of arrested development. During the child to adult transition most of them missed a crucial step. As a result they gravitate towards paternalistic political strongmen. Think Stalin, Mao and Castro to name a few. I’d put little Barry Hussein in that category were it not for Trump putting a stop too his agenda. The ultimate in paternalism is the UN since it is a global institution. Progressives see the UN as the secular Moses who delivers “commandments” to the flock.
You’re making things up again, of course. Not one Progressive I know – and I know a lot of them – consider the UN in any measure of the role you manufactured. Not even close.
Does it make you feel better to just make things up all day long?
It’s called being the Opposition.