After President Donald Trump delivered his bombastic speech at the United Nations General Assembly — in which he threatened to "totally destroy North Korea" and touted his "America First" talking points — chief of staff John Kelly looked as if he were in physical pain.
"In America, we do not seek to impose our way of life on anything, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to watch," Trump said. "It is up to us whether we will lift the world to new heights or let it fall into a valley of disrepair."
Trump also called referred to North Korean dictator Kim Jon-un as "Rocket Man" again.
Trump calls Kim Jung Un "Rocket Man" in a speech to the United Nations.
This is real life. pic.twitter.com/7J0y4RzgfY
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) September 19, 2017
Some quickly praised the president's bizarre speech, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who tweeted: "In over 30 years in my experience with the UN, I never heard a bolder or more courageous speech."
In over 30 years in my experience with the UN, I never heard a bolder or more courageous speech. — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 19, 2017
"President Trump spoke the truth about the great dangers facing our world and issued a powerful call to confront them in order to ensure the future of humanity," he added, in two separate tweets.
President Trump spoke the truth about the great dangers facing our world
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 19, 2017
and issued a powerful call to confront them in order to ensure the future of humanity. — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 19, 2017
Former White House aide Sebastian Gorka strongly agreed with Netanyahu. "From the PM of a country that knows the dark heart of the UN," he tweeted.
From the PM of a country that knows the dark heart of the UN. https://t.co/brkjGacnTO
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) September 19, 2017
Kelly, one of the newest additions to the White House staff — and who has been tasked with restoring so-called order to the administration — looked like he was in a world of pain.
Expressions speak louder than words. John Kelly during Trump's #UNGA speech. pic.twitter.com/ihDGz0tLNy — Meghana Kurup (@MeghanaKurupDC) September 19, 2017
Some commentators read into Kelly's pained expressions.
"Sure, this Trump speech is belligerent and irresponsible. But I'm sure we'll be fine because Kim Jong Un is known for his level-headedness," Ian Millhiser, of ThinkProgress tweeted.
Sure, this Trump speech is belligerent and irresponsible. But I'm sure we'll be fine because Kim Jong Un is known for his level-headedness.
— Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) September 19, 2017
As usual, Trump's most loyal supporters relished in the president's strongman tone. Breitbart's White House correspondent, Charlie Spiering, tweeted: "A lot for Trump supporters to love in his MAGA 'Rocket Man' speech to the UN."
A lot for Trump supporters to love in his MAGA “Rocket Man” speech to the UN
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 19, 2017
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