US President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into what he described as a “triple sabotage” during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025. According to Trump, three separate incidents at the UN headquarters disrupted his appearance, including a stalled escalator, a malfunctioning teleprompter, and sound issues in the Assembly hall.
Escalator incident sparks concern
Trump highlighted that the escalator leading to the main speaking floor came to a “screeching halt” shortly after he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it. Speaking about the incident, Trump said, “It stopped on a dime. It’s amazing that Melania and I didn’t fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first. It was only that we were each holding the handrail tightly or, it would have been a disaster. This was absolutely sabotage.” He called for those responsible to be arrested and held accountable.
Teleprompter failure during address
As he began his address to the 80th UN General Assembly, Trump noted that his teleprompter failed, leaving him to deliver a 57-minute speech without any on-screen cues. The teleprompter resumed functioning about 15 minutes later. Trump described the situation as unusual, saying, “Then, as I stood before a television crowd of millions of people all over the world, and important leaders in the Hall, my teleprompter didn’t work. It was stone cold dark.”
Despite the challenges, Trump said the speech received positive reviews, with audiences reportedly appreciating the effort it took to deliver the address without assistance.
Sound system malfunction
The third issue, according to Trump, involved the sound system in the UN General Assembly hall. He claimed that after his speech, the audio system failed, preventing other world leaders from hearing his address unless they relied on interpreters’ earpieces. Trump said the sequence of events suggested deliberate attempts to undermine his appearance at the Assembly.
Response and implications
Trump posted on his platform Truth Social, stating that the UN should be “ashamed” of itself over the incidents. He described the events as a “REAL DISGRACE” and insisted that the UN investigate the occurrences thoroughly.
While UN officials have not issued an official comment on the alleged sabotage, the incidents have sparked debate over security and technical preparedness at high-profile diplomatic events. The claims have drawn attention both in the United States and internationally, with some calling for a detailed inquiry into whether the disruptions were accidental or intentional.
The events have also added another chapter to the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s engagements with international institutions, amid concerns about protocol, safety, and operational efficiency at global diplomatic gatherings.