Trump Allegations of Sabotage at UN: Escalator, Teleprompter, and Audio Issues Under Scrutiny

Thu Oct 16 2025 12:31:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Donald Trump has called for an inquiry into what he deems 'triple sabotage' during his United Nations visit, citing an escalator malfunction, teleprompter issues, and audio failures that marred his speech.

During the latest session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Trump experienced a series of technical mishaps he claims were part of a coordinated effort to undermine him. He has publicly demanded an investigation, labelling the incidents as 'triple sabotage'. Despite official reports suggesting safety mechanisms may have been triggered accidentally, Trump and his administration have raised serious concerns over the incidents, leading to calls for accountability and further inquiries.

Donald Trump has demanded an investigation into what he called a triple sabotage during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.

In a post on social media, the US president referred to an escalator abruptly stopping as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on, a teleprompter malfunctioning during his speech, and an audio issue in the auditorium.

A UN official stated that the sound system was designed to allow attendees to hear speeches translated through earpieces, but Trump criticized the incidents and stated he was sending a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding an immediate probe. A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday - Not one, not two, but three very sinister events! he wrote, asserting that this was triple sabotage at the UN and expressed shame on the organization.

Trump has also called for the arrest of those responsible for the escalator incident, referencing jokes made by UN workers about turning off the escalators.

This was absolutely sabotage... All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved, he added.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, supported Trump’s stance on the need for a probe, labeling the incidents as unacceptable, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt voiced concerns that someone at the UN may have intentionally stopped the escalator.

Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for Guterres, responded by explaining that Trump’s videographer may have inadvertently triggered a safety function while filming the couple.

After the escalator mishap, Trump reported further complications when the teleprompter ceased functioning, although it was restored towards the end of his address. I can only say that whoever's operating this teleprompter is in big trouble, he commented.

Despite the technical difficulties, a UN official assured that the sound system was intended for enhanced audio experience through earpieces, addressing Trump's claims about audio issues that affected the hearing of world leaders.