Overview

• Video showed the escalator jolt to a halt as the president and first lady stepped on at UN headquarters, prompting them to walk up the stalled steps without injury.
• UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said a control-unit readout indicated a built-in safety mechanism at the top was triggered, likely by a U.S. delegation videographer moving backward to film, and the unit was reset to resume service.
• A teleprompter malfunctioned at the start of the General Assembly address; the UN said the president’s teleprompter is operated by the White House.
• Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called for anyone responsible for an intentional stop to be fired, cited a Times of London report about staff joking of such stunts, and said personnel including the Secret Service are looking into the incidents.
• The explanations and accusations intensified political tensions over UN operations and U.S. funding, with some commentators alleging sabotage and UN officials rejecting any foul play.