President Donald Trump has called for an “immediate investigation” following a sequence of technical mishaps during his appearance at the United Nations on Tuesday.
The incidents, a halted escalator, a nonworking teleprompter, and audio issues in the hall, were described by Trump as part of a coordinated “triple sabotage.”
Trump said that as he and First Lady Melania stepped onto an escalator, it suddenly stopped, nearly causing them to fall.
Here’s when the UN escalator stopped working the second Trump & Melania got to it
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) September 23, 2025
(The teleprompter stopped right when he started his speech also) pic.twitter.com/fxmDetY3Yb
He also claimed that the video and audio systems in the General Assembly were compromised, adding that delegates could not hear him unless they used interpreter earpieces.
According to Trump, Melania told him afterward, “I couldn’t hear a word you said.”
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The United Nations has disputed the sabotage claim. A spokesperson explained that the escalator’s safety mechanism may have been triggered when a videographer walked backward while filming ahead of Trump’s entrance.
The safety feature is designed to prevent objects or people from being pulled into the machinery.
Regarding the teleprompter issue, the UN clarified that the White House, not UN staff, is responsible for operating the device used by the president.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US will investigate whether the incidents were intentional, pledging accountability if foul play is discovered.
As the controversy unfolds, questions remain over whether the technical failures were simple malfunctions or something more deliberate.
The UN has called the explanation plausible, while Trump continues to demand preservation of security footage and further review.
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