Trump Alleges Sabotage at UN After Technical Glitches During Assembly

Tue Sep 30 2025 03:41:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Donald Trump calls for an investigation into what he describes as 'triple sabotage' involving an escalator malfunction, teleprompter failure, and audio issues during his speech at the UN General Assembly. His comments raise concerns about security and operational protocols at international forums.

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Donald Trump demanded an inquiry into what he termed 'triple sabotage' following technical failures with an escalator, teleprompter, and audio equipment. These incidents prompted significant criticism and calls for accountability, as Trump and his administration questioned the integrity of UN operations. The UN has since attributed the escalator issue to a safety mechanism, while a UN official clarified the audio system’s functionality. Trump's remarks have ignited debates on security measures and operational effectiveness at international events.

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 said the sound system was designed to allow people to hear translated speeches through earpieces.

The UN previously stated that a safety mechanism might have been triggered by Trump's videographer, who had been traveling backwards up the escalator while the teleprompter belonged to the US delegation.

Trump criticized the incidents on Truth Social and indicated that 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.

He continued, This wasn't a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. Trump also called for the arrest of those responsible for the escalator incident and referenced an article reporting UN workers joking about turning off the escalators.

Trump remarked, This was absolutely sabotage... All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved, adding fuel to the controversy.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, echoed Trump’s calls for an official investigation, deeming the incidents unacceptable. He stated, The United States will not tolerate threats to our security or dignity at international forums. We expect swift cooperation and decisive action.

Following the escalator mishap, Trump experienced more technical difficulties when the teleprompter reportedly failed, though it was restored towards the end of his address. I can only say that whoever's operating this teleprompter is in big trouble, he said, while a UN official later informed the media that the White House was operating the teleprompter during the session.

In his lengthy post, Trump mentioned that the audio was problematic, stating, World Leaders, unless they used the interpreters' earpieces, couldn't hear a thing. A UN representative clarified that the sound system was actually designed for such translations through personal earpieces.