An unusual incident at the United Nations on Tuesday raised eyebrows when an escalator abruptly stopped as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it. Social media videos captured the moment: the escalator halted just as the couple boarded, giving them a brief jolt before they regained balance and continued climbing.
White House Suggests Possible Foul Play
The stoppage drew immediate attention in the media. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded a thorough investigation, warning that anyone responsible should face consequences. In a post on X, she cited a Times of London report claiming some UN staffers joked about turning off the escalators and “tell him they ran out of money,” following US funding cuts.
Leavitt wrote, “If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately.” Speaking to Fox News, she added, “If we find that these were UN staffers who were purposefully trying to trip up, literally, trip up the President and the First Lady of the United States, well, there better be accountability for those people, and I will personally see to it.”
If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately.
The Times reported this on Sunday.👇 pic.twitter.com/NitsWbGYG0
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) September 23, 2025
This incident sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many netizens speculating about US President Donald Trump’s global image. One user, Nitin, also shared the video on X.
Sweet Chin music for Trump.
As Trump arrived at the UN, the escalator stopped working the moment he stepped on it.
Later the teleprompter stopped working the moment he got up to the podium to speak. pic.twitter.com/a1igoJehJX— ηᎥ†Ꭵղ (@nkk_123) September 24, 2025
UN Attributes Stoppage to Safety Mechanism
The United Nations responded by suggesting the halt may have been accidental. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric explained that the escalator’s built-in safety mechanism triggered at the top, stopping the ride. He said the stoppage may have been caused inadvertently by Trump’s videographer, who was moving backward to film the President and First Lady’s arrival.
Dujarric clarified, “The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects from accidentally being caught and pulled into the gearing.”
Teleprompter Trouble Adds to the Mystery
Adding to the high-profile mishaps, President Trump’s teleprompter also malfunctioned as he began speaking at the UN General Assembly. The UN noted that the teleprompter is operated by the White House, distancing itself from this problem.
During his address, Trump highlighted both issues, saying: “Whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle. If the First Lady weren’t in great shape, she would have fallen, but she’s in great shape. We’re both in good shape. These are the two things I got from the United Nations, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much.”
Malfunction or Masterplan?
While the UN attributes the escalator halt to a safety mechanism triggered by accident, the White House suggests there could be more to the story. The incident has fueled speculation and debate online: was it a mere technical glitch, or an intentional attempt to unsettle the President and First Lady?
Also Read: World News: Donald Trump Visits UK: Key Discussions Expected Amid Global Conflicts
