United Nations, Sept 25 (NationPress) An escalator that abruptly halted, a nonfunctional teleprompter, and a sound system malfunction have sparked allegations of an international conspiracy, prompting US President Donald Trump to call for an inquiry and arrests. "This wasn't a coincidence; this was triple sabotage at the UN," he expressed on Truth Social on Wednesday, according to local reports.

The incidents unfolded during his visit to the UN on Tuesday, where he addressed crucial global issues, amidst the escalator's unexpected stop and the teleprompter's failure during his nearly hour-long address to an audience of world leaders.

Trump conveyed his grievances and demands to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In a statement issued shortly before midnight, Guterres's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced that a comprehensive investigation had been initiated and that the UN was willing to collaborate with US officials.

Trump mentioned that the Secret Service is currently looking into the matters.

While Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were using the delegates' escalator leading to the General Assembly Hall on Tuesday, it unexpectedly jerked to a halt. "It's incredible that Melania and I didn't fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first. We were gripping the handrail tightly, or it could have been disastrous," he recounted.

"This was unmistakably sabotage," he asserted.

As they ascended the escalator, they were followed by their entourage.

He referenced an online article from The Times of London, which indicated that some US staffers joked about turning off the escalators and elevators, suggesting they ran out of funds, forcing Trump to use the stairs.

"Those responsible should be arrested," he declared.

"All security footage at the escalator must be preserved, especially concerning the emergency stop button," he demanded.

Dujarric clarified on Tuesday that a preliminary inquiry revealed that a White House videographer filming Trump, while walking backward up the escalator, triggered a "built-in safety mechanism" that prevents entanglement with the machinery.

"The videographer may have unintentionally activated the safety feature," he explained.

Upon reaching the podium, Trump noted that the teleprompter was "stone cold dark" and only activated 15 minutes later.

Starting his address, Trump remarked, "Whoever's operating this teleprompter is in serious trouble."

After his speech, he commented that Melania told him she couldn't hear him due to the sound issues in the hall.

The world leaders had to utilize the earpieces designated for simultaneous interpretation, he indicated.

The delegates' escalator typically remains operational, yet other elevators are often temporarily out of service, either due to cost-cutting measures during financial crises—often because the US, responsible for 22 percent of the UN budget, is late on payments—or due to the unavailability of parts for repairs.

On Tuesday, one of the elevators in the secretariat building was completely nonfunctional.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)