President Trump's UN Visit Plagued by Escalator Halt, Sabotage Claims, and Investigation Demands
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walked a halted UN escalator, prompting Trump's sabotage claims and an investigation, with the UN suggesting his videographer caused the malfunction.
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Overview
- President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were forced to walk up a halted escalator at the United Nations during his visit, marking a significant technical difficulty.
- Trump immediately claimed the escalator incident was sabotage, alleging 'triple sabotage' by the United Nations due to this and other technical mishaps during his visit.
- A UN spokesperson suggested a videographer from Trump's delegation may have accidentally triggered the escalator's safety mechanism, causing the malfunction.
- President Trump and the White House demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged sabotage, calling for accountability and potential arrests of those involved.
- The Secret Service has confirmed it is actively investigating the alleged sabotage incidents at the United Nations, following President Trump's experiences and demands.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently presenting President Trump's "sabotage" claims as unsubstantiated. They immediately juxtapose his accusations with official UN explanations, emphasizing technical malfunctions and the actions of his own team as the cause. This collective editorial choice casts doubt on Trump's narrative, portraying his claims as lacking evidence and offering alternative, more plausible explanations.
"Trump had to contend with an escalator and a teleprompter that weren't working, and claimed he was told that the sound was 'completely off' in the auditorium during his address to the General Assembly."
USA TODAY"Trump described a series of mishaps at the U.N. as part of a conspiracy against him, labeling them as 'triple sabotage.'"
Associated Press"The president brought up the two mishaps later in his speech, framing them as metaphors for what he views as the incompetence of the United Nations — which he accused of offering up little more than "empty words.""
CBS News"Trump appeared good-natured about all of it."
NBC News"Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the United Nations, particularly regarding a failed bid to renovate its New York City headquarters, which he claimed resulted in a more expensive and inferior product."
USA TODAYArticles (25)
Center (5)
FAQ
President Trump labeled the halted escalator, a malfunctioning teleprompter during his speech, and the audio being off in the General Assembly Hall as 'triple sabotage' during his United Nations visit.
The United Nations suggested that a videographer from President Trump's delegation may have accidentally triggered the escalator's safety mechanism, causing the escalator to halt.
President Trump demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged sabotage and called for accountability and potential arrests. The White House Press Secretary also called for the firing and investigation of those responsible if the incidents were intentional.
Yes, President Trump humorously commented that whoever was operating the teleprompter was 'in big trouble,' which elicited laughter from the audience before the teleprompter resumed working.
Yes, after President Trump's demands, the U.S. Secret Service confirmed it is actively investigating the alleged sabotage incidents at the United Nations.
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