Trump-Melania helicopter moment goes viral, reason behind anger revealed

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A video of a tense moment between US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump on the presidential helicopter (Marine One) has become a topic of discussion worldwide. In the video, Trump is seen pointing his finger at Melania and saying something, leading to speculation about a rift in their relationship. However, forensic lip-readers have now revealed that Trump's anger was not directed at Melania, but rather at an escalator malfunction at the United Nations Headquarters.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, when Trump and Melania arrived at the United Nations building for an event. As they were ascending the escalator upon entering the building, it suddenly stopped mid-air. This caused Melania to lose her balance and stumble. Trump later mentioned this in his speech, saying, "If Melania hadn't been feeling well, she could have fallen."

Following the incident, the White House demanded an immediate investigation and called it a possible foul play. Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt stated that if it was intentional, the culprits would not be spared. Meanwhile, United Nations officials clarified that the machinery had been automatically shut down by the president's security system. According to one report, one of Trump's videographers inadvertently activated the security sensor.

Reputable media outlets like the New York Post and The Guardian have used lip-readers to capture the conversation between Trump and Melania. According to the New York Post, lip-reader Jeremy Freeman reported Trump asking Melania, "How can you do that?", linking his frustration to the escalator incident.

Meanwhile, The Guardian quoted lip reader Nicole Hickling as saying that Trump was saying, "I can't forgive them. They tried to hurt you." Melania replied, "We can't do that. We have to be safe. You're not safe." To this, Trump added, "They're finished. We have to challenge them."

Although the two were seen walking hand-in-hand on the South Lawn after disembarking from the helicopter, body language experts have described their gestures as formal and stiff.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Trump and Melania's public behavior has made headlines. Previously, a video of Melania shaking off Trump's hand at the 2025 inauguration also went viral.