Post by : Shweta
Trump Faces Unexpected Escalator Stop at UN
US President Donald Trump faced an unexpected moment when an escalator stopped shortly after he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it at the United Nations headquarters in New York on September 23, 2025.
Escalator Stops During Trump’s UN Arrival
The incident happened as Trump arrived for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Video showed Melania Trump stepping onto the escalator, followed by Donald Trump, before the moving staircase suddenly stopped. The couple then continued walking up the stationary escalator.
Read more : UN Security Council Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Trump Mentions Incident During UN Speech
Trump later referred to the incident during his address to the UN General Assembly. He joked about the escalator stopping and also mentioned a problem with the teleprompter during the beginning of his speech.
UN Explains Why Escalator Stopped
The United Nations later explained that a built-in safety mechanism had been activated. According to the UN, the mechanism is designed to stop the escalator when it detects a possible safety risk involving people or objects.
US Delegation Videographer May Have Triggered Safety System
The UN said a videographer from the US delegation had been travelling backwards on the escalator while recording Trump's arrival. Officials said the videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety mechanism.
Teleprompter Issue Also Mentioned
Trump also spoke about a teleprompter problem during his UN speech. UN officials said the equipment used for the US president's address was operated by the White House rather than the United Nations.
Incident Draws International Attention
The unusual escalator stoppage quickly became one of the widely discussed moments surrounding Trump's UN visit. The incident was later explained by the United Nations as a safety-system activation rather than a deliberate stoppage.
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