Full Breakdown
Trump’s UN Address: Technical Glitches and Controversial Claims
9/25/2025, 12:33:51 AM
Technical Difficulties Mark Trump’s Return to the UN
On September 23, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a contentious address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, which was marred by technical issues, including a malfunctioning teleprompter and a stalled escalator. As Trump and First Lady Melania Trump ascended the escalator, it abruptly halted, prompting the president to joke, “All I got from the United Nations was a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter.” This incident, along with the teleprompter failure, set a tone of grievance for the nearly hour-long speech.
Critique of the United Nations and Global Policies
Throughout his address, Trump criticized the United Nations for its perceived ineffectiveness, claiming it had failed to assist him in resolving global conflicts. He stated, “I never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help,” referring to his self-proclaimed role in ending seven wars. Trump characterized the UN as a body of “empty words” that does not fulfill its foundational mission, asserting that it is “not living up to its potential.”
Trump also condemned European nations for their immigration policies, declaring, “Your countries are going to hell,” and warned that unchecked migration was destroying their cultural heritage. He described the combination of lenient migration policies and green energy initiatives as a “double-tailed monster” that threatens Western nations.
Economic Claims and Environmental Skepticism
In his speech, Trump touted the U.S. economy, claiming that grocery prices were down and manufacturing was booming, despite contrary reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. He dismissed climate change initiatives as a “scam,” labeling them the “greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” His remarks on environmental policies were met with skepticism, as he urged other nations to abandon green energy efforts.
Responses and Reactions
The speech drew mixed reactions, with some world leaders reportedly chuckling at Trump’s complaints about the escalator and teleprompter. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, mocked the incidents, suggesting they highlighted Trump’s inadequacies. Newsom quipped, “I only walk up escalators because that’s what REAL MANLY MEN do,” reflecting a broader trend of political mockery surrounding the event.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called for an investigation into the escalator incident, suggesting it might have been sabotage. However, reports indicated that a member of Trump’s own team may have inadvertently triggered the escalator’s safety mechanism.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Trump claimed to have ended seven wars, experts noted that many of the conflicts he referenced remain unresolved. His assertions about international peace efforts were met with skepticism, particularly regarding his involvement in conflicts like those between Israel and Iran, and India and Pakistan, where some leaders downplayed his role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter.” — President Donald Trump
- “Your countries are going to hell.” — President Donald Trump
- “I never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help,” — President Donald Trump
Trump’s address at the UN, marked by technical difficulties and controversial claims, reflects ongoing tensions between his administration and multilateral institutions, as well as the polarized political climate in the United States.
