Donald Trump’s appearance at the United Nations was supposed to show leadership on the world stage. However, the visit quickly turned into a string of embarrassing mishaps that distracted from his message.
A Speech That Started With Technical Trouble
From the very beginning, Trump faced technical difficulties. In fact, his teleprompter failed right as he started to speak. Instead of ignoring the glitch, Trump pointed it out to the audience.
“I don’t mind making this speech without a teleprompter because the teleprompter is not working,” he said. “I feel very happy to be up here with you, nevertheless, and that way you speak more from the heart. I can only say that whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble.”
Clearly, what was meant to be a serious moment of diplomacy instead began with frustration and improvisation.

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Escalator Mishap Adds to the Embarrassment
Later, Trump turned to another problem that happened on his way inside. According to him, even the UN escalator broke down while he and the First Lady were on it.
“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, we’re both in good shape.”
This story, while delivered as a joke, underlined how much of the trip seemed to go wrong. Moreover, it reinforced Trump’s tendency to focus on personal anecdotes instead of global policy.
Trump’s Frustration With the UN
As the speech continued, Trump shifted his attention toward the United Nations itself. He claimed he had ended seven wars and personally dealt with world leaders. However, he criticized the UN for failing to recognize his efforts.
“I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help in finalizing the deal,” Trump said.
Instead of celebrating cooperation, Trump used the platform to underline how little support he felt from the international body.
A Message Overshadowed by Glitches
By the end, Trump concluded with a mix of humor and irritation. He summed up his UN experience in a way that highlighted the mishaps more than the diplomacy.
“These are the two things I’ve got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much.”
Clearly, what was supposed to be a showcase of strength and leadership turned into a speech remembered for broken equipment and sarcastic remarks.
Why It Matters
On the world stage, perception matters as much as policy. Therefore, Trump’s complaints about technical problems overshadowed his intended message about ending wars and negotiating peace. Instead of strengthening his image, the moment reinforced doubts about his ability to handle setbacks gracefully.
For global leaders, the United Nations is a symbol of cooperation. However, for Trump, this visit became a reminder of his strained relationship with the organization and his preference for highlighting grievances rather than building consensus.