According to Trump, the first incident occurred when the escalator leading to the main speaking floor suddenly stalled as he and First Lady Melania Trump were on it. He stated that they could have been seriously injured if they had not been tightly holding onto the handrails. Trump noted that such an abrupt malfunction posed a significant risk and called it “absolute sabotage.” He also referenced past comments suggesting that staff had previously joked about escalators being shut down, presenting that as further evidence that the incident might not have been accidental.
The second failure involved his teleprompter, which malfunctioned at the beginning of his address to a global audience. For about 15 minutes, Trump was forced to deliver his remarks without the prepared text. He highlighted that despite the disruption, his speech was well received and praised for its improvisation. However, he emphasized that such a malfunction at such a high-profile event could not simply be brushed off as an ordinary glitch. For Trump, the timing of the breakdown right after the escalator failure reinforced his belief in deliberate interference.
The third issue occurred when the sound system in the auditorium failed, creating difficulties for leaders and delegates trying to listen to his remarks. Trump explained that many in the audience were unable to hear him without interpreter earpieces and added that even Melania Trump confirmed she could not make out what he was saying. He insisted that this was not just a matter of coincidence but part of a pattern, labeling it as the third strike in what he described as coordinated sabotage.
In response, Trump said he is sending a formal communication to the UN Secretary-General demanding that all relevant security tapes be secured and reviewed. He argued that such failures during a presidential address undermine not only him personally but the integrity of the United Nations as a global institution. Trump declared that the Secret Service is actively involved in looking into the matter and suggested that responsibility should be assigned swiftly if intentional wrongdoing is confirmed.
Officials reinforced the president’s concerns, calling the mishaps unacceptable. They emphasized that if the escalator incident was deliberate, then the individuals responsible must be fired and investigated immediately. The events were described as troubling, particularly in light of the fact that they all happened in succession on the same day.
The president’s remarks have stirred debate, with his supporters echoing his concerns about potential foul play and his critics dismissing the claims as exaggerated. Regardless of the interpretation, the unusual chain of mishaps has now escalated into an international controversy, one that blends security concerns, political theater, and the functioning of one of the world’s most important diplomatic forums.
For Trump, the matter goes beyond technical malfunctions. He has framed it as a direct attempt to undermine his message and embarrass him on a global stage. By involving the Secret Service, he has made clear that he views the events not only as a threat to his personal safety but also as a test of accountability within the United Nations. The coming days may reveal whether these incidents will be officially classified as accidents or if the investigation will substantiate Trump’s claims of sabotage.
