Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump drew worldwide attention during their latest public appearance in New York City. It was the first time since the start of his second term that the president addressed the United Nations General Assembly, and the day ended up making headlines not only for his remarks but also for an unexpected incident involving the couple inside the U.N. building.
On 23 September, President Trump took to the podium at the U.N. Headquarters before an audience of diplomats, journalists, and world leaders. His address covered several of the most pressing topics on the international agenda.
He began by focusing on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Trump urged European nations to “step it up” by reducing their dependence on Russian energy products and supporting stronger measures to end the war. Moving on, he emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and the fast-growing influence of artificial intelligence.
The president also spoke at length about the Middle East, singling out Hamas for what he described as repeated rejections of peace initiatives. “Those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now,” he told the assembly, underscoring the need for a coordinated global response.
Before the speech began, however, Donald and Melania Trump found themselves at the center of an awkward but ultimately harmless episode. As they rode an escalator inside the U.N. Headquarters, the moving staircase stopped mid-ride.
In a clip that quickly circulated on social media, Trump can be heard telling U.N. Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed, “The escalator just broke down… with us in the middle of it.” Later, in his signature style, he joked about the situation: “If the First Lady wasn’t in great shape, she would have fallen. But she’s in great shape. These are the two things I got from the United Nations today—a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter.”
The lighthearted remarks provided an unplanned moment of levity during an otherwise serious diplomatic event. Many observers commented that such incidents make world leaders appear more relatable to the public.
Trump’s U.N. appearance also came against the backdrop of fresh controversy over his recent comments about the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy. He suggested that expectant mothers should “tough it out” rather than rely on pain relief except in cases of very high fever.
The remarks quickly generated headlines, with many medical professionals and parents voicing concern. Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue, issued a detailed statement rejecting any suggestion that acetaminophen is linked to autism.
“Independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We are deeply concerned about the confusion this poses for expecting mothers,” the company said. It added that acetaminophen remains one of the safest and most widely studied pain relievers for pregnant women, infants, and children when used as directed.
Health experts also pointed out that untreated high fevers and severe pain during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both mother and baby, which is why safe pain relief options remain important. They continue to urge expectant mothers to consult healthcare providers before taking any over-the-counter medication.
Between his far-reaching policy remarks, the escalator glitch with Melania, and the ongoing debate over his health advice, President Trump’s return to the U.N. General Assembly was anything but routine. Supporters praised his direct style and emphasis on international security, while critics took issue with some of his statements on health and climate.
The episode illustrates how high-profile appearances often blend substance and spectacle. A single speech can set the tone for policy debates around the world, while a minor mishap can dominate social media and humanize a political figure at the same time.
For Donald and Melania Trump, the visit underscored both the challenges and the spotlight that come with being a high-visibility couple on the global stage. Whether for his calls to action on global conflicts or the unexpected escalator moment, the president’s latest appearance at the U.N. will likely be remembered as one of the most talked-about events of his second term so far.
