During President Donald Trump’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, two major technical failures disrupted the event. The escalator carrying Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stalled, leading to the couple having to walk up the frozen steps, an incident that prompted White House press secretary Karoline Leav, to demand immediate investigation and potential firing of those responsible. Simultaneously, Trump’s teleprompter froze, forcing him to improvise his speech, which included humorous remarks about the UN’s inefficiency. The escalator incident occurred before the speech, and the teleprompter resumed after a few minutes. Trump criticized the UN for its lack of support, contrasting it with his own achievements in international relations.
Leavitt’s public call for accountability came after the incident, emphasizing the White House’s frustration with the logistical failures at the UN. The stalled escalator not only disrupted the President’s movement but also raised concerns about the organization’s preparedness. While the situation was initially met with humor by the audience, the White House framed it as a serious lapse in service, highlighting the potential consequences of such oversights in high-profile diplomatic settings. Trump’s remarks, though intended as light-hearted, drew further attention to his criticism of the UN’s role in global affairs, particularly regarding its perceived inefficiencies and lack of collaboration with the U.S. administration.