Former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy by claiming that a malfunctioning escalator at the United Nations General Assembly nearly caused grave injury to him and first lady Melania Trump.

Trump accused the U.N. of orchestrating what he called "triple sabotage" during his Tuesday visit, citing a broken escalator, a failed teleprompter, and poor audio during his speech, while demanding an immediate investigation and arrests, as the Daily Mail reports.

On Tuesday, during his visit to the U.N. General Assembly, Trump encountered a series of technical issues that began with a broken escalator. He stated that the incident nearly led to a dangerous fall for both him and Melania. Fortunately, they managed to hold onto the handrail, averting a potential disaster.

Escalator incident sparks allegations

Trump described the escalator mishap on Truth Social, calling it a "REAL DISGRACE" and part of a broader pattern of issues that day. He insisted that it was "absolutely sabotage" and urged that those responsible "should be arrested."

U.N. officials offered a different perspective on the escalator malfunction. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric explained that a videographer, walking backward on the escalator, likely triggered a safety mechanism at the top step. A technical readout confirmed the system stopped to prevent entrapments or objects being caught in the gears.

Following a reset by a U.N. technician, the escalator functioned normally for the rest of the morning. The White House noted that the Secret Service was looking into the matter, though a spokesperson declined to confirm if agents accepted the U.N.’s explanation.

Technical woes beyond the escalator

Trump’s challenges at the U.N. extended to his speech, where he faced additional technical difficulties. His teleprompter went completely dark as he began speaking, forcing him to proceed without it for roughly 15 minutes. He later boasted that, despite the setback, his address received positive feedback.

Audio problems also marred the event, making it hard for attendees, including Melania, to hear his words. Trump recounted asking her for feedback, only to be told, "I couldn’t hear a word you said." A U.N. official clarified that the sound system, designed for translation via earpieces, has operated this way for decades.

Trump, unaware of this setup beforehand, expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication. He later used these incidents to criticize the U.N.’s functionality during his speech. He argued that the organization failed to support his peace negotiations and questioned its overall purpose.

Trump’s call for probe gains momentum

In response to the string of issues, Trump labeled the events as coordinated sabotage. He reiterated his belief in posts on Truth Social, emphasizing that the U.N.’s handling of the situation was shameful.

He announced plans to send a letter to U.N. Secretary General António Guterres, demanding a thorough probe into the incidents.

Trump specifically requested the preservation of security footage from the escalator area, especially regarding the emergency stop mechanism. He also noted that the Secret Service was involved in reviewing the matter.

Trump’s criticism of the U.N. went beyond the technical failures, as he highlighted what he saw as broader inefficacy. He pointed out that during his efforts to end seven conflicts and negotiate with world leaders, the U.N. offered no assistance. "What is the purpose of the U.N.?" he questioned during his address.

Public, official reactions unfold

Despite the disruptions, Trump maintained that his speech was successful and well-received by many. He suggested that the audience might have admired his ability to continue under difficult circumstances.

"Maybe they appreciated the fact that very few people could have done what I did," he remarked.

U.N. spokesperson Dujarric countered some of Trump’s claims, noting that the White House was responsible for operating the teleprompter during the speech. This added another layer of complexity to the dispute over accountability for the day’s mishaps.

Ultimately, Trump summarized his U.N. experience with a pointed critique, stating he received nothing but "a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter."

His ongoing posts on Truth Social and public statements continue to fuel debate over whether the incidents were mere technical errors or something more sinister, as he alleges.