Former President Donald Trump is calling for an investigation after experiencing a series of technical issues he described as “triple sabotage” during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Trump outlined three incidents: a stopped escalator, a teleprompter failure, and audio disruptions, which he suggests were deliberate efforts to impede his address.
In a social media post, Trump criticized the mishaps, stressing the gravity of the situation. While speaking at the UN, he referenced the problems humorously, mentioning a malfunctioning escalator and teleprompter. Additionally, Trump mentioned audio issues, claiming they were “completely off,” affecting the transmission of his speech.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has responded, assuring the U.S. of a comprehensive investigation and expressing willingness to collaborate with U.S. authorities to uncover the cause of these disturbances. Trump’s frustration also extended to a questioning of the UN’s efficacy, reflecting his longstanding critical stance towards the international organization.
The escalator incident, which Trump claims could have led to an accident, has been attributed to a “built-in safety mechanism” triggered, potentially by a videographer with the U.S. delegation, according to a UN spokesperson. This mechanism halted the escalator just as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attempted to use it.
The teleprompter issue, marked by an initial malfunction, has been the subject of dispute, with the UN and White House each suggesting responsibility lies with the other side. While the prompter eventually functioned, Trump noted that key parts of his speech were inaudible to audiences, except those with interpreters’ earpieces.
Trump has demanded security footage from the escalator and intends to correspond with UN leadership about the incidents in question. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, echoed these concerns on social media, linking the technological lapses to larger issues within the UN and asserting they pose a security threat.
The White House has also called for an inquiry, questioning if the escalator’s halt was a deliberate act. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted a prior article suggesting UN staff had joked about disabling escalators in expectation of Trump’s visit.
The unfolding controversy underscores ongoing tensions between Trump’s team and the UN, exacerbating an already skeptical view of the international body’s operations. The situation demands swift resolution and cooperation to address potential security implications.