After delivering a passionate, hour-long address at the United Nations General Assembly, former President Donald Trump publicly shared what First Lady Melania allegedly told him backstage — a remark that spurred him to launch a formal inquiry into what he called a “triple sabotage” of his speech.
On September 23, 2025, Trump, now 79, addressed world leaders and delegations. He used the opportunity to lash out at global immigration policies, urge an end to “the failed experiment of open borders,” and warn that those persisting with them were “going to hell.” He also criticized multiple UN initiatives, praised his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, and attacked “so-called green, renewable energy” programs as destructive to both freedom and the planet. He even took aim at London Mayor Sadiq Khan during his remarks.
But beyond the content of his speech, Trump made headlines for highlighting a trio of technical failures he experienced at the venue — incidents he said were not coincidental. He complained that the escalator to the stage malfunctioned, that the teleprompter went dark, and that the audio system failed to project his voice. According to Trump, the escalator “stopped on a dime” as he and Melania ascended, and he feared they might fall. He claimed the teleprompter shut off just as he began speaking, and that much of the audience, including world leaders, could not hear him due to the sound system breakdown.
Afterward, Trump posted on Truth Social, labeling the day a fiasco of “complete sabotage.” He said he approached Melania — who had been seated in the front row — and asked, “How did I do?” Her reported reply: “I couldn’t hear a word you said.”
Trump concluded that the triple failure was deliberate sabotage. He called for an official investigation and said he would send a letter to the UN Secretary-General. He also said the U.S. Secret Service was already involved and requested access to security camera footage, especially recordings of any escalator emergency-stop activity.
In its response, the UN denied any malicious intent. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the escalator had stopped because a White House videographer inadvertently triggered a safety mechanism. He explained that the system is designed with fail-safes to prevent accidents. While the UN dismissed the idea of intentional tampering, Dujarric confirmed that a full probe will be carried out into all three alleged failures — the escalator, teleprompter, and audio — and pledged full transparency.
