Trump and Melania’s Awkward Finger-Wave? Lip Readers Say It Was About an Escalator Fail

Footage capturing what seemed to be a heated exchange between President Trump and First Lady Melania has sparked widespread speculation, but lip readers reveal the truth: it was merely a discussion about an escalator malfunction at the United Nations. The incident occurred as they arrived at UN headquarters, where the escalator unexpectedly broke down.

The video, which circulated widely online, shows Trump gesturing animatedly while Melania shakes her head in response. This scene unfolded as Marine One landed on the South Lawn, leading many to draw parallels with other public figures' spats, such as that of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife.

Forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman, who has provided expert testimony in legal cases, interpreted the exchange differently. “From my interpretation, I don’t think Donald Trump was having a go at Melania Trump — but at the shenanigans at the UN,” he stated, suggesting that their conversation centered on the escalator incident that had gone viral just a day prior.

Freeman noted that Melania remarked Trump “just continued” when the escalator abruptly stopped. “It was unbelievable. How can you do that?” he believes Trump responded, highlighting his frustration with the situation.

As they exited the helicopter, Melania urged him, “Donald, look at me,” before they walked hand in hand across the lawn. This moment followed a chaotic scene where Melania stumbled as the escalator failed just as they stepped onto it, moments before Trump’s address to the General Assembly.

Trump later took to social media to express his disbelief about the incident, stating, “It’s amazing that Melania and I didn’t fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first.” He credited their grip on the handrail for preventing what could have been a serious accident.

Describing the escalator failure as “absolutely sabotage,” Trump referenced a report suggesting UN staffers joked about turning off the escalator to make him walk to his speech. This claim added another layer to the narrative surrounding their visit.

Another lip reader, Nicola Hickling, echoed Freeman’s sentiments, interpreting Trump’s words as protective. “I can’t forgive them, they tried to hurt you,” he reportedly said to Melania during their helicopter ride. Her response indicated concern for their safety: “We can’t do this, we should stay safe, you’re not safe.”