Trump expresses Frustration Over UN Escalator Malfunction, white House to Investigate
NEW YORK – Donald Trump voiced his displeasure with a malfunctioning escalator at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday, recounting the incident during his speech to the General Assembly and prompting a White House investigation. The former president claimed the escalator stopped mid-ride as he and the First Lady were ascending, nearly causing her to fall.
The incident occurred during Trump’s arrival at the UN, and he linked the escalator issue, along with a faulty teleprompter, to what he described as a broader pattern of the UN failing to acknowledge his administration’s diplomatic achievements. He stated he ended seven wars and engaged with numerous world leaders without receiving a phone call from the UN. This complaint comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the United States’ role in international affairs and the UN’s effectiveness in addressing global challenges.
“All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle. If the first lady wasn’t in great shape,she would have fallen,but she’s in great shape. We’re both in good shape,” Trump said. He later added, “These are the two things I got from the United Nations, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much.”
The UN responded with an clarification, stating a subsequent investigation revealed the escalator halted due to a triggered safety mechanism. Stephane Dujarric,a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,explained that a videographer filming the US delegation’s arrival “may have inadvertently triggered the safety function described above.” The escalator was quickly reset and returned to operation.
Regarding the teleprompter issue, Dujarric stated the UN had no comment, as it is operated by the white House.The White House has indicated it will investigate the teleprompter malfunction.
