Wilbur Ross: Trump's cabinet member appears to sleep through president's UN speech

Commerce secretary is aged 81 and president’s speech lacked energy of previous UN addresses

One of Donald Trump’s cabinet members appeared to fall asleep during his speech to the United Nations.

As Mr Trump hit out against Iran and globalists, commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, 81, was seen with his eyes shut. Many on social media claimed he had fallen fast asleep.

“We want partners, not adversaries,” Mr Trump said in an address before world leaders that was lacking the energy of his previous speeches there.

The president also took aim at China, and president Xi Jinping, in what was his third annual appearance at the UN saying the world was watching how Beijing handled mass demonstrations in Hong Kong.

“How China chooses to handle the situation will say a great deal about its role in the word in the future,” he said. “We are all counting on President Xi as a great leader.”

Mr Trump, who has faced a renewed threat of impeachment since it emerged he asked Ukraine’s president to launch an investigation into Joe Biden and his son, said the world must come together to confront what he termed was a threat from Iran.

The US and Saudi Arabia have accused Iran of being behind a September 14 attack on oil facilities, an attack that Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for. Iran has rejected the claims and vowed to defend itself.

“All nations have a duty to act. No responsible government should subsidise Iran’s blood lust.

As long as Iran’s menacing behaviour continues sanctions will not be lifted, they will be tightened,” Mr Trump said.

He urged Gulf allies to normalise relations with Israel to provide a regional counterweight to Iran.

With the president looking to improve his standing among Americans as he looks ahead to a tough re-election battle next year, Mr Trump aimed to present a reassuring message to ease voters’ concerns about his tendency toward inflammatory rhetoric.

Additional reporting by Reuters