Escalatorgate: Trump Demands Investigation into UN ‘Triple Sabotage’

US President Donald Trump has demanded an immediate investigation into what he described as “triple sabotage” at the United Nations after a series of technical malfunctions disrupted his address on Tuesday.

The incidents involved a malfunctioning escalator, a non-functioning teleprompter, and issues with the sound system. The UN has stated the events were accidental and partly attributed them to White House staff.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called the incidents “very sinister”, urged arrests, and confirmed that the Secret Service was also investigating.

“This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN. They ought to be ashamed of themselves,” Trump wrote.
“I’m sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary General, and I demand an immediate investigation. No wonder the United Nations hasn’t been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do.”

Footage showed the 79-year-old president and First Lady Melania Trump boarding the escalator at UN headquarters, which then abruptly stopped, forcing them to walk up manually. Shortly thereafter, Trump noted that his teleprompter was not working.

During the speech, he criticised the UN for allegedly funding illegal migration, which he claimed was transforming Western countries into “hell,” and for failing to support his peace initiatives in Gaza and Ukraine.

Trump described the escalator incident as potentially dangerous: “It’s amazing that Melania and I didn’t fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first.”

He also complained that the teleprompter was “stone cold dark” for the first 15 minutes, and that the sound in the UN auditorium was “completely off.”

He demanded the security tapes for the escalator be preserved, stating: “The Secret Service is involved.”

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric explained that a videographer from the US delegation “may have inadvertently triggered the safety function” on the escalator.

“Regarding the teleprompter, we have no comment since the teleprompter for the US president is operated by the White House,” Dujarric said.

A Secret Service official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the agency was investigating the UN’s account.

Regarding the sound system, a UN official explained that it was designed to deliver translated speeches in six languages via earpieces to seated attendees.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz stated on X that he had formally requested:

“The United States will not tolerate threats to our security or dignity at international forums. We expect swift cooperation and decisive action,” Waltz added.

The incident has sparked significant debate over protocols, technical preparedness, and the handling of VIP events at the UN.