What was supposed to be a routine arrival for Donald Trump and the First Lady at the United Nations quickly turned into a scene that drew more attention than planned.
On Tuesday morning in New York, the pair made their way toward the UN headquarters, greeting the press along the way, when the escalator carrying them suddenly came to a halt.
Trump, visibly irritated, looked around sharply before he and Melania abandoned the ride and continued up the metal steps on foot.
It wasn’t long before the incident became more than just a glitch—it became a political talking point.
Was It a Malfunction or a Setup?
The UN’s official explanation was straightforward.
Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters that the problem likely came from Trump’s videographer, who had stepped onto the escalator just before the couple.
Walking backward while filming, the staffer may have accidentally triggered the machine’s emergency safety stop.
Technical checks appeared to back this up.
A system review showed that the safety mechanism on the comb step at the top of the escalator was activated—something designed to prevent accidents if objects or people get caught.
The escalator was quickly reset and ran smoothly for the rest of the morning.
The Secret Service Steps In
Still, the White House wasn’t ready to simply accept the UN’s version of events.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the Secret Service had opened an investigation into what happened, and officials declined to comment further.
That silence only fueled speculation, with some wondering if there might have been more to the glitch than bad luck.
Trump’s Frustration with the UN
For Trump, the stalled escalator became symbolic of what he sees as larger problems with the United Nations.
During his speech at the General Assembly, he used the moment to criticize the institution, pointing out what he considered its failures on the global stage.
“The UN wasn’t there when I needed them. What did I get instead?
A broken escalator and a broken teleprompter,” he quipped, drawing laughs but also making his frustration clear.
Accusations of Sabotage
Leavitt was even more direct during an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime.
She claimed that some UN staffers had been joking about inconveniencing the former president, suggesting the escalator may not have stopped by chance.
She also raised concerns about Trump’s teleprompter, which had malfunctioned during his UN address.
“If UN staffers were actually trying to trip up the President and First Lady, there needs to be accountability,” she said, promising to pursue answers.
A Glitch or a Political Flashpoint?
While the UN insists it was nothing more than a safety feature doing its job, Trump’s team clearly isn’t convinced.
The White House hasn’t confirmed whether it accepts the UN’s explanation, and the Secret Service investigation remains ongoing.
For now, what should have been a forgettable escalator hiccup has instead become wrapped up in politics, suspicion, and a broader debate about Trump’s tense relationship with the United Nations.