Donald and Melania Trump Encounter Escalator Issue on Way to Summit
Stuck at the bottom: Prior to the president experiencing yet another mechanical issue at a significant international speech, there was an unpleasant escalator problem.
The President of the United States (POTUS) and the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) were left trapped and unmoving at the base of a frozen escalator in New York City, causing the world to watch in stunned silence instead of the anticipated grand arrival.
The drama only grew more intense a few hours later when the president of the United States had to improvise while the cameras rolled in front of a worldwide audience due to a broken teleprompter.
The world watches as the golden escalator grinds to a stop.
At the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the 80th session of the UNGA.
However, the unimaginable occurred as they gathered to take part in this year’s session, which had as its theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”; diplomats and the world press were in attendance.
The POTUS and FLOTUS were left stumbling awkwardly at the bottom of the golden-colored mechanism after the escalator carrying the first couple came to an abrupt stop in a now-viral moment that has taken over social media. The Trumps seemed slightly taken aback as the machinery halted just as it started to ascend.
Around them, cameras kept flashing, and Melania was seen looking back as though she was waiting for help. As the escalator remained motionless beneath his feet, the president, accompanied by security and aides, likewise turned to evaluate the situation.
Looking back, the couple seemed a little annoyed. A picture of their faces showed Melania giving someone or something a side-eye or a little glare, while her husband remained stoic.
Donald Trump Trails Behind Melania Trump as She Takes Charge
Ironically, the escalator right next to them was still operating flawlessly, which added to the moment’s impact. Melania quickly assumed control while wearing a stylish cream blazer and matching trousers.
In a silent display of poise and resolve, the first lady started up the stationary escalator with steady grace and heels clicking against the metal. Donald trailed behind, clearly adjusting his position, and ascended the iced staircase, which was now merely a static building.
The Trumps continued to go forward in spite of the setback, with every move being documented by the world’s media. As the pair climbed, reporters yelled questions at them in an effort to capture the moment. However, the president remained silent.
One widely shared image shows Donald making a quick motion with his index finger, which may have been a modest nod in reaction to the chaos below or a signal to continue walking.
The UN Discloses the True Cause of the Escalator Failure
A UN representative addressed the matter in a formal statement in the hours after the escalator breakdown, providing an explanation for the sudden stop.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the accident was caused by a built-in safety mechanism that was activated, possibly by a member of the U.S. delegation, rather than a technical malfunction.
“President Trump, accompanied by the First Lady and delegation, arrived at the UNHQ building this morning, and entered through the Delegate’s entrance,” Stéphane stated in his statement. “After passing through the security gates, President Trump and the First Lady approached the escalator.”
He continued by explaining that a U.S. delegation videographer had gotten on the escalator shortly before the pair, travelling backwards to try to record their climb, while he was trying to record the Trumps’ entry.
“The First Lady and President Trump both climbed the stairs at the bottom as the videographer, who was going backwards up the escalator [sic], reached the top. The escalator stopped at that same point (9:50 a.m.),” the spokesperson clarified.
UN staff reacted quickly. “Our technician, who was at the location, reset the escalator as soon as the delegation had climbed up to the second floor,” he said. A follow-up examination verified that a safety feature integrated into the comb step had really been triggered, including a readout of the escalator’s central processing unit.
Stéphane explained that the protection is “designed to prevent people or objects accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing.”
The White House had demanded an investigation into the incident before offering an explanation. Later, in his speech to the General Assembly, Donald also admitted to the accident.
Even with the escalator accident, the day’s activities went according to plan.
The day’s activities at the UN headquarters proceeded according to schedule, despite the unexpected start to the morning. The UN Secretary-General gave opening remarks for the 80th session of the General Assembly at 9 a.m. ET, and Assembly President Annalena Baerbock then spoke.
Shortly after Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the POTUS was scheduled to speak as the second head of state.
His day’s schedule includes important diplomatic encounters with prominent world leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In the face of mounting international pressure over the Gaza crisis, he was scheduled to host multilateral discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders later in the day. Alongside dozens of international peers, the president was to attend a ceremonial diplomatic banquet to wrap out his stay.
As Donald Trump takes the stage, there are numerous technical issues.
Donald had other hiccups during his day at the UN event besides the escalator accident. As the president stood at the podium in front of a group of foreign leaders, he encountered yet another technological problem, this time with the teleprompter that was supposed to direct his remarks.
At the beginning of his speech, Donald declared, “I don’t mind making this speech without a teleprompter, because the teleprompter is not working,” which caused the audience to erupt in laughter.
However, he continued, “I feel very happy to be up here with you, nevertheless, and that way, you speak more from the heart,” making the interruption humorous.
Nevertheless, the president couldn’t help but make a scathing remark about whoever made the mistake. He joked, “I can only say that whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble,” which caused the room to erupt in further laughter.
Donald Trump seemed to change course a few minutes into his speech, citing a printed copy of his speech instead, which he carried in his hands.
Although the minor malfunction didn’t appear to have a major impact on his address, it was the second time that day that the president became the focus of viral attention due to technological issues.
