Trump demands investigation into ‘sabotage’ during U.N. speech
President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for an investigation into what he said were “sinister events” before and during his high-profile United Nations speech a day earlier.
Before Trump’s address to the U.N. General Assembly’s 80th session in New York City, the escalator he and his wife Melania were riding stopped. Both were holding onto the railing at the time.
Then, Trump opened his speech saying the teleprompter was not working. After the speech, Trump learned from the first lady that she couldn’t hear anything he said on stage because the sound was off in the room.
The White House called for an investigation on Tuesday after The Times’ Washington Editor Katy Balls reported on Sunday about an escalator stunt.
“To mark Trump’s arrival, UN staff members have joked that they may turn off the escalators and elevators and simply tell him they ran out of money, so he has to walk up the stairs,” she wrote in a piece on Sunday.
The United Nations blamed Trump’s team for the escalator stoppage.
Trump shot back on Wednesday in a social media post.
“This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN,” Trump wrote. “They ought to be ashamed of themselves. I’m sending a copy of this letter to the secretary general, and I demand an immediate investigation.”
In the address, Trump criticized European leaders and the United Nations.
“The U.N. has such tremendous potential … but it’s not even coming close to living up to that potential for the most part,” Trump said.
Trump said Tuesday’s incidents confirmed his concerns about the international organization founded in 1945.
“No wonder the United Nations hasn’t been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do,” the second-term Republican president said. “All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved.”
The Center Square was unsuccessful getting comment from Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for U.N. Secretary General António Guterres of Portugal.
Latest News Stories
Crete Township Solar Project Approved Despite Township Objections
Health Department Opens Second Breast Milk Depot in Bolingbrook
Lockport Township Solar Farm Gains Committee Approval
Health Department Plans Back-to-School Fair July 12
Meeting Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for July 3, 2025
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee July 3 Meeting Briefs
Will County Seeks Asian Carp Provision in Federal Legislative Agenda
State Legislative Session Update: Transit, Energy Bills Stall Despite Democratic Control
Will County’s Major Capital Projects Hit Key Milestones, VAC Buildout on “Aggressive Schedule”
County Board Approves 2026-2031 Transportation Plan Despite Project Opposition
Contentious I-3 Rezoning for DuPage Township Storage Yard Narrowly Advances
Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs
