During the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, an unusual incident briefly delayed former US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. As they stepped onto an escalator, it suddenly came to a halt, raising questions and sparking speculation. The United Nations later clarified that the stoppage was likely caused by Trump’s videographer inadvertently activating a safety mechanism.
Escalator Stops as Trump Steps On
The event occurred as Trump made his arrival at the UN headquarters. The abrupt halt of the escalator caused a minor disruption but quickly drew significant attention due to the timing. Trump later joked about the mishap during his speech to world leaders, mentioning both the escalator and a teleprompter malfunction.
“These are the two things I got from the United Nations — a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” he remarked, generating some laughter from the assembly.
White House Reaction to Escalator Incident
While Trump kept the mood light, the White House expressed serious concern. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that if anyone intentionally caused the stoppage, they should be investigated and removed. She emphasized that the President’s safety must never be compromised during such high-profile events.
UN Clarifies Cause of Escalator Stoppage
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric explained that the escalator’s central processing unit showed a built-in safety mechanism was activated. This system prevents people or objects from being caught in the escalator’s gearing. According to the UN, the videographer filming Trump’s arrival may have walked backward onto the comb step, accidentally triggering the safety function.
“The safety mechanism is designed to protect individuals and avoid potential injuries,” Dujarric clarified. He added that the escalator had functioned normally after the brief stoppage.
Teleprompter Malfunction and Clarification
In addition to the escalator issue, Trump experienced a teleprompter malfunction during his speech. He humorously warned that the person responsible for operating it might be in trouble. However, UN officials later clarified that the teleprompter was controlled by the White House, not the UN.
UN Officials Reassure Smooth Functioning
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock reassured the audience after Trump’s remarks, confirming that UN teleprompters were working perfectly. The clarification highlighted the difference between UN-provided equipment and devices brought by external delegations.
The escalator incident at the UN highlighted how even small technical malfunctions can capture global headlines, especially when involving a former US President. While Trump treated it humorously, the White House took a stern approach, demanding accountability. The UN’s explanation attributed the incident to a simple accident rather than intentional interference.
