1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I have watched some extraordinary performances at the United Nations over the years. Nikita Khrushchev’s behavior at the UN became legendary for its spectacle. Muammar Gaddafi’s sprawling 2009 address became infamous for its rambling and bizarre departures from normal diplomatic rhetoric. I never expected to see an American president take his place in that kind of company. Until now. After the last ten years of watching trump, I can’t say I’m surprised. What I am is tired of being embarrassed by the way the President of the United States represents my country to the world. The White House can call this strength. But apparently every day at this White House is Opposite Day. What I saw wasn’t strength. It was rambling, boasting, threats and self-aggrandizement—and I think it made the United States look weak, vulnerable and unserious. American strength has never depended solely on having the largest military or making the loudest threats. Our influence has also depended on credibility, stability, alliances, diplomacy, and other nations believing that the United States is serious, reliable and capable of keeping its word. That credibility matters, and I believe we are squandering it. Things are difficult enough within the United States. I don’t know what there is to brag about. But that isn’t even the point. The President of the United States was standing before the world, representing all of us. I want my country to look strong. I want it to be respected. I want an American president to represent us on the world stage with seriousness, coherence and basic dignity. Instead, after decades of watching some extraordinary international batshittery from the podium of the United Nations, we have now contributed our own. I am tired of watching trump embarrass my country and call it strength.