Trump condemns regimes, threatens to 'totally destroy' N. Korea in UN speech

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump condemned the Iranian and North Korean regimes and even threatened to 'totally destroy North Korea' in his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday.

Emphasizing the power and influence of the U.S. around the world, President Trump listed off a series of countries and issues the U.N. must unite to deal with to help the United States.

Drawing applause for remarks on the United States' efforts to help women's equality around the world, he spent much of his time addressing the need for the U.N. to provide financial and military support to issues around the globe.

Trump opened his maiden address in front of the United Nationals General Assembly by praising his accomplishments in office so far.

He also sent thanks to the leaders of countries that have offered assistance to the U.S. as it recovers from a pair of damaging hurricanes.

Trump he praised the American people as "strong and resilient" and says the U.S. has done "very well" since his election.

He pointed to the stock market and the employment rate and says the U.S. military will soon be the strongest it has ever been.

Elected on the slogan "America First," he reiterated that position verbatim in his speech.

He went on to argue that nations should act in their own self-interest, yet rally together when faced with a common threat such as North Korea. He plans to address other crisis points, too, such as Iran's nuclear agenda, the instability in Venezuela and the fight against terrorism in Syria and elsewhere.

MORE: Pres. Trump's week anchored by speech to UN General Assembly

Denouncing the North Korean leader, he told the United Nations the `Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself.' He noted if the U.S. was forced to defend itself or its allies, the U.S. would 'totally destroy North Korea.'

He also said the Iranian government is an "economically depleted rogue state" whose chief export is violence.

Trump frequently belittled the U.N. as a candidate and his White House has been infused with forces that believe the U.N acts as a global bureaucracy that infringes the sovereignty of nations.

But Trump argued U.N. member states should unite to face global dangers.

MORE: Donald Trump brands North Korea's Kim Jong Un with new nickname 'Rocket Man'

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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