Why Trump sounds different in public and private at UN

US President Donald Trump addressing the 80th UNGA at UN headquarters in New York City. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

US President Donald Trump used his speech at the UN General Assembly to criticize world leaders and dismiss the institution itself. He told assembled delegates their countries were “going to hell” and declared the United Nations “useless.” It was vintage Trump—combative, scornful and eager to remind allies and rivals alike of their failings. Unlike his first UN appearance in 2018, when laughter greeted his boasts, this time the chamber responded with polite applause, the New York Times reported.

A softer Trump behind closed doors

Just hours later, in a private meeting with Secretary General António Guterres, Trump offered a very different message. He praised the United Nations, saying the US was “100 percent behind” the organization and describing its potential as “incredible.” The shift left diplomats with whiplash but reflected a familiar pattern: a president who can be harsh in public but conciliatory in person. Leaders, aware of his volatility, have learned that flattery often works better than confrontation.

Allies tread carefully

European officials, who bore the brunt of Trump’s public remarks, avoided open pushback. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, mocked by Trump for Europe’s reliance on Russian energy, later told him he was “absolutely right.” French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended the UN in his speech, focused instead on US-French cooperation when meeting Trump privately. Leaders seemed determined not to provoke the president, lining up for one-on-one sessions despite his earlier barbs.

Playing both sides of diplomacy

Trump’s dual style is not new. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, in her memoir, described how he would attack her publicly while being surprisingly gracious in private conversations. This week’s contrast was particularly stark in Trump’s dealings with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. From the podium, Trump accused Brazil of censorship and corruption. Backstage, he embraced Lula, describing their encounter as marked by “excellent chemistry” — if only for 39 seconds.

Policy contradictions

Even as he courted leaders in private, Trump’s administration pressed ahead with measures that undercut the UN He has already withdrawn the US from several agencies, pulled out of the Paris climate accord and cut $1 billion from UN funding, with another $1 billion reduction proposed. These moves highlight the contradiction between Trump’s conciliatory private tone and his administration’s public policy decisions.

Ukraine policy shift

European leaders claimed a quiet victory after meetings with Trump. For months, he had suggested Ukraine should cede land to Russia to secure peace. But by the end of the UN gathering, Trump declared that with NATO’s help, Ukraine could win the war. For allies, the shift demonstrated the value of their strategy: avoid public confrontation, offer private flattery, and nudge Trump toward positions more aligned with their interests.

A familiar Trump paradox

For world leaders, the lesson was clear: dealing with Trump means navigating two versions of the same man. Publicly, he may belittle allies, question institutions and project dominance. Privately, he often seeks rapport and appears open to cooperation. That paradox has shaped his diplomacy for nearly a decade, leaving allies wary but pragmatic.

As one European diplomat put it, the safest approach is to “make as nice as possible” in person, no matter the sting of Trump’s words in public. For now, the balancing act continues—world leaders adapting to a president whose tone can flip in an instant, depending on the audience.