Trump Requests UN Investigation Into “Triple Sabotage” Following Audio, Teleprompter, and Escalator Incidents
President Trump’s visit to the General Assembly was marred by teleprompter, audio, and escalator failures, which led him to accuse the UN of intentional sabotage.
During his visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump, citing an escalator malfunction, a teleprompter breakdown, and auditorium audio disturbances, called for an inquiry into what he called “triple sabotage.”
Trump claimed the episodes were intentional attempts to discredit him at the international conference in a series of posts on Truth Social. Yesterday, he stated, “A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations – Not one, not two, but three very sinister events.” “Triple sabotage at the UN occurred; this was not a coincidence. They should feel embarrassed by their actions.
The president declared that he will formally request an investigation into the incidents in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. He also demanded that the people behind the escalator halt be arrested, referencing a Times piece that said UN employees made jokes about shutting down escalators. This was outright sabotage. All of the escalator’s security footage, particularly the emergency stop button, ought to be preserved. Trump also said, “The Secret Service is involved.”
The events started as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were getting on an escalator when it abruptly stopped. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that while recording the couple, Trump’s videographer “may have inadvertently triggered the safety function.” The interruption sparked accusations from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who wrote on X: “If someone at the UN purposefully stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately.”
Trump’s teleprompter malfunctioned during his speech, adding to his already mounting failures from the escalator incident. He said, “I can only conclude that whoever is using this teleprompter is in serious trouble,” before the device was eventually fixed. According to a UN official who spoke to the BBC, the White House was using its own teleprompter devices and connecting laptops to the UN’s network.
Trump also mentioned audio issues, claiming that “the Auditorium’s sound was completely off.” He went on, “World Leaders couldn’t hear a thing unless they used the interpreters’ earpieces.” A UN official responded by explaining that the sound system was “designed to allow people at their seats to hear speeches being translated into six different languages through earpieces.”
Trump’s demand for an investigation was supported by US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, who called the occurrences “unacceptable.” The United States will not stand for threats to our security or dignity in international fora,” he declared. We demand prompt collaboration and decisive action.
