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Trump at U.N.: U.S. is ready to 'destroy North Korea'

By Ed Adamczyk
President Donald Trump speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
1 of 5 | President Donald Trump speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's first address to the United Nations General Assembly included forceful messages against North Korea, the Iranian government and Islamic terrorism.

If the United States is "forced to defend itself and its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea," he said. He said North Korea's nuclear program "threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of life" as a result of its nuclear weapons program.

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"If the righteous many don't confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph," Trump said.

He began his address Tuesday with a clarification of the "America First" policy he encouraged, to the detriment of the United Nations, saying, "As long as I hold this office I will defend America's interest above all else but in fulfilling our obligations to our own nations we also realize it's in everyone's interest to seek the future where all nations can be sovereign, prosperous and secure."

He added, "I will always put America first just like you as the leaders of your countries will always and should always put your countries first."

Trump also threatened to "totally destroy North Korea," saying that "Rocket man" Kim Jong Un is "on a suicide mission.

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RELATED Full text of Trump's speech to United Nations General Assembly

Trump was especially critical of Middle Eastern conflict, diplomacy and treatment of refugees. Referring to the agreement limiting Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, he said the deal provides a "cover for the potential construction of a nuclear program." He called it "one of the worst and one-sided transactions the U.S. has ever entered into. You haven't heard the last on it, believe me."

He then mentioned terrorist organizations in the Middle East and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as catalysts in denying rights and opportunities" to its citizens. He said he sought a world "free from violence, hated and fear" for children.

Trump also called Venezuela a failed state that implemented socialism "too well."

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