5 takeaways from President Trump's United Nations speech, from North Korea to 'America First' foreign policy

Show Caption Hide Caption Trump threatens to 'totally destroy North Korea' During his speech at the U.N. General Assembly, President Donald Trump called on countries to stop trade with North Korea and stop its nuclear program. He also targeted Iran, calling it a 'reckless regime' that funds terrorism. (Sept. 19)

As President Trump made his first major address before the United Nations General Assembly, he demonstrated his forceful foreign policy rhetoric while demonstrating that he's still mindful of his promise to keep the United States as his priority. Here are the main takeaways:

1. Iran's a 'rogue nation'

Trump appeared to signal he may soon declare Iran out of compliance with the 2015 agreement that the United States and five other nations negotiated with Iran for the Islamic Republic to curb its nuclear weapons program.

He called Iran a “rogue nation” and said the U.N.-backed deal is “an embarrassment” to the United States. “I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it, believe me,” Trump said. “It is time for the entire world to join us in demanding that Iran’s government end its pursuit of death and destruction,” Trump said.

Nuclear inspectors recently determined that inspections found no evidence Iran is in violation of the agreement. The parties that negotiated the deal, including China, France and Germany, will meet separately on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

2. Threats to North Korea

Trump denounced North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying his country “threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of life.”

He praised the U.N. for imposing economic sanctions on Pyongyang, but he also said if the regime continues to threaten the United States and its allies and to destabilize East Asia the U.S. is prepared to take action.

“We will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea,” Trump said. “If the righteous many don’t confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph,” he added, before repeating a nickname he gave Kim on Twitter. “Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself.”

3. Venezuela needs help

Trump indicated that the United States is likely to intervene in Venezuela, which is on the brink of democratic collapse following the power grab of its president. Trump called the situation in the South American country “completely unacceptable.”

“We cannot stand by and watch,” he said.“ As a responsible neighbor and friend, we and all others have a goal. That goal is to help them regain their freedom, recover their country and restore their democracy.”

This escalates previous statements from the president about not ruling out military action against Venezuela. Dictator Nicolas Maduro held a disputed election over the summer to create a "constituent assembly" that limited the influence of the elected national assembly.

4. 'Loser terrorists'

In a moment that recalled Trump's usual rhetoric, the president promised to take down "loser terrorists."

"The United States and our allies are working together in the Middle East to crush the loser terrorists and stop the re-emergence of safe havens they use to launch attacks on all of our people," he said.

If you've wondered why you know that phrase, it's because the president has used it before.

Loser terrorists must be dealt with in a much tougher manner.The internet is their main recruitment tool which we must cut off & use better! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2017

5. But still America First

All of this may lead Trump’s base to wonder, what happened to the “America First” president? The president kicked off his speech by trying to assure that, for all the foreign policy rhetoric that would follow, his priority was still America.

“Our government’s first duty is to its people, to our citizens, to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights and to defend their values,” Trump said.

He also acknowledged that other countries would have different priorities.

“As president of the United States, I will always put America first, just like you, as the leaders of your countries, will always, and should always put your countries first,” he said.