Donald Trump shares update on Melania’s health after UN escalator mishap
Former First Lady’s fitness habits come into focus after unexpected incident in New York
Donald and Melania Trump experienced a brief scare when an escalator suddenly stopped at the United Nations headquarters, prompting the former president to comment on his wife’s health and fitness.
World leaders gathered in New York this week for the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Wednesday, Donald Trump delivered a one-hour speech—reportedly the longest by any U.S. president at the UN—addressing global conflicts including the war in Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East.
But before his speech began, two unexpected moments grabbed attention. First, Trump’s teleprompter malfunctioned mid-sentence, prompting him to quip: “I don’t mind making this speech without a teleprompter, because the teleprompter is not working.”
Then, earlier in the day, Trump and Melania encountered another hiccup: an escalator at the UN headquarters suddenly came to a halt while the couple was riding it.
White House reaction and security concerns
According to Newsweek, the White House was displeased with the incident and even questioned whether the stoppage had been deliberate. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that there would be “accountability” if the malfunction had been intentional.
The UN later clarified that the escalator’s safety mechanism had been inadvertently activated, causing it to stop.
Trump says Melania is in “great shape”
Melania, who was riding in front of her husband when the escalator stopped, remained steady throughout. Speaking afterward, Trump remarked to diplomats that, “If the first lady wasn’t in great shape, she would’ve fallen.”
The comment offered a rare glimpse into Melania’s private life, as she largely avoids the spotlight. Reports suggest she follows a strict diet and fitness routine, incorporating activities such as Pilates and tennis.
Fitness experts weigh in
In a recent interview with Glam.com, personal trainer Dr. Pinkey Patel praised Melania’s workout choices, particularly tennis for its cardiovascular benefits and agility training. She noted that Melania reportedly adds ankle weights to her daily routine, though Patel cautioned that resistance training is essential for long-term muscle and bone health.
“By age 55, sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle—can accelerate, and bone density can decline,” Patel explained. “The only proven way to counteract both is progressive resistance training.”
While Melania continues to keep a low public profile, Trump’s comment at the UN offered an unexpected update about her health. For now, the former first lady seems to be maintaining her well-known focus on fitness as she navigates life largely outside of the spotlight.
