An unexpected glitch at the United Nations headquarters set the stage for President Donald Trump's pointed remarks to world leaders on Tuesday. The remarks began with a jab about a broken escalator and a faulty teleprompter.
As Donald and Melania Trump arrived at the UN building in New York City, what was supposed to be a routine entrance turned awkward. The couple posed briefly for photographers before stepping onto an escalator, only for it to abruptly grind to a halt.
Onlookers watched in confusion as Melania, unfazed, took the lead and walked up the stalled steps, with the former president following behind. Meanwhile, staff and aides were left to find alternate routes up. Trump didn’t miss the chance to turn the minor malfunction into a punchline and a criticism.
During his speech to the General Assembly, just moments later, he opened with a jab at the building’s infrastructure and tech. “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 have fallen, but she’s in great shape.”
He continued, adding, “These are two things I got from the United Nations, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much. And by the way, it’s working now.”
The remarks drew some laughter from delegates in the chamber, but the president quickly shifted tone, launching into a more combative critique of the United Nations as a whole, an institution he has repeatedly called ineffective and resistant to reform.
The awkward moment came days after their recent visit to the UK. The presidential couple returned to the United Kingdom for an unprecedented second state visit, and Melania made sure her wardrobe told its own story. From heritage nods to bold evening glamour, the First Lady’s fashion choices balanced diplomacy, tradition, and her signature style.
Melania set the tone the moment she landed at Stansted Airport in a tightly belted Burberry trench coat, worn over Dior riding boots and paired with Saint Laurent sunglasses.
Throughout the visit, Melania’s ensembles struck a balance between glamour and diplomacy. Whether in Dior, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, or Ralph Lauren, each look was carefully curated to honor both American design and European heritage.