Donald Trump has called for an investigation into what he described as a “triple sabotage” during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
The US president cited three separate incidents: an escalator abruptly stopping as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on, a teleprompter malfunction during his speech, and an audio issue in the auditorium.
A UN official explained that the sound system is designed for audience members to hear translated speeches through earpieces. The UN also noted that a safety mechanism may have been triggered when Trump’s videographer was filming while moving backward on the escalator. The teleprompter, meanwhile, was operated by the US delegation.
Trump posted on Truth Social, saying, “A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday — Not one, not two, but three very sinister events! This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.” He also announced he would send a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding an immediate investigation.
Trump called for the arrest of those responsible for the escalator incident, referencing reports that UN staff had joked about turning off the escalators. He added, “All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved.”
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz supported Trump’s call for an official probe, calling the incidents “unacceptable” and warning that the US will not tolerate threats to its security or dignity at international forums.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also commented, saying that if someone had deliberately stopped the escalator, they should be “fired and investigated immediately.”
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, said Trump’s videographer may have inadvertently triggered the escalator’s safety function while filming.
Following the escalator issue, Trump encountered more technical difficulties with the teleprompter, which was later restored during his speech. A UN official confirmed that the White House had brought its own teleprompter laptops and connected them to the UN system.
Trump also reported audio problems, claiming the sound in the auditorium was “completely off” and that world leaders could not hear without using interpreter earpieces. A UN spokesperson responded that the system is designed to deliver translations to attendees via earpieces in six languages.
