UN escalator 'intentionally stopped' during Trump, Melania's visit? Karoline Leavitt calls for investigation
Posted on: Sep 24, 2025 10:12 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
edward d. White domiciliate press out secretarial assistant Karoline Leavitt has urged United Nations officials to conduct an investigation after an escalator at headquarters abruptly stopped when President Donald Trump and Melania Trump stepped on it Tuesday morning, September 23. The moment was captured on camera, when the escalator in the entrance hall to the UN building in New York stalled as soon as the US President and his wife stepped on it.
“If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately,” Leavitt wrote on X, citing a Times of London report claiming staffers had been overheard joking that they would stop the escalator so Trump would have to walk to the hall to give his speech.
“The safety mechanism was inadvertently triggered by someone who was ahead of the president on the escalator,” UN spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq told The Times. “The escalator was immediately reset and is in operation.”
In the video, Melania can be seen jolting forward when the escalator stopped moving. The escalator adjacent to the Trumps was still operational, but the couple chose to walk up the motionless steps of the one that had stopped.
Read More | Trump and Melania's bizarre 'escalator' welcome at UN draws netizens' reaction: ‘Is that a sign?’
Trump spoke about the glitch in his speech, saying he has “ended seven wars” and “all I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle.” “If the first lady wasn’t in great shape, she would’ve fallen,” he said of Melania, who was wearing high heels during the incident.
A former Secret Service official expressed concern over how agents failed to react to the glitch. “This is not hard. Don’t just stand there,” former agent Rich Staropoli told RealClearPolitics.
Staropoli added that Trump’s security detail “should have closed ranks right around there, as close as you can be.” “Somebody’s got to make a call. We’re going to stand here like a bunch of morons, like we did in Butler. Or are we going to scoop up the first lady and POTUS and either go down or go up?” he said, referring to the 2024 rally in Pennsylvania where Trump survived an assassination attempt.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.