On September 24, 2025, the UN says Trump’s team to blame for nonworking escalator and teleprompter, as President Donald Trump deviated from his prepared remarks at the United Nations to criticize technical issues, portraying the organization as dysfunctional.
- Trump criticized UN for escalator malfunction.
- Cause was triggered by U.S. videographer.
- Teleprompter issues blamed on White House.
- Escalator problems common at UN facilities.
- UN faces funding delays from U.S. donors.
- Escalator and elevator shutdowns linked to budget cuts.
During his speech, Trump remarked that an escalator stopped midway, using it to suggest the UN’s inefficiency. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric explained that a U.S. videographer triggered the escalator’s safety mechanism, which prevents objects from getting caught in the gear. The videographer ran ahead of Trump, causing the stoppage. Trump also noted the teleprompter was malfunctioning, joking that the operator was in trouble. An anonymous UN official revealed the White House was controlling the teleprompter, which may have contributed to the issue. Such escalator failures are common at the UN, especially as recent months have seen elevators and escalators in New York and Geneva shut down intermittently to cut costs amid a liquidity crisis. This crisis partly stems from delayed funding from the united states, the UN’s largest donor.
- Investigate the cause of the teleprompter malfunction and ensure proper operation for future speeches.
- Address escalator safety protocols to prevent similar incidents during high-profile events.
- Review budget allocations to stabilize UN funding, reducing reliance on delayed U.S. contributions.
- Improve coordination between the White House and UN officials regarding technical support during speeches.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges at the UN, including financial constraints and logistical issues, which could impact the organization’s reputation and operational efficiency moving forward.
