On Assignment UNGA and global diplomacy in the Trump era
Sep 27, 2025
Join Michelle Nichols, United Nations Bureau Chief for Reuters, and Don Durfee, U.S. foreign policy editor, as they explore the high-stakes environment of the UN General Assembly. They share humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes about press life, and delve into Trump's shifting rhetoric on Ukraine. The duo discusses the implications of U.S. skepticism towards global institutions and the international fallout from Trump's comments on migration and climate. They also touch on diplomatic reactions to Trump's policies and hopeful signs of engagement in Gaza and Ukraine.
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Broken UN Escalator Mystery
- Michelle Nichols recounts a long-running broken escalator at the UN that became a running joke among staff.
- An investigation later suggested Trump's videographer accidentally triggered the emergency stop when filming the president and first lady.
Inconsistent U.S. Signals Create Diplomatic Unease
- Don Durfee highlights Trump's shifting rhetoric on Ukraine, causing uncertainty about actual U.S. policy.
- Allies worry because inconsistent U.S. signals make coordinated international responses difficult.
French President Stuck In Motorcade Delay
- Michelle Nichols describes the security freeze around presidential movements that snared the French president in traffic during Trump's arrival.
- The French president phoned Trump in a viral moment after being unable to pass through security, highlighting tight UN security protocols.