Donald Trump on Wednesday called for an investigation into the incident, saying he was "thrice mugged" while on his way to address the United Nations General Assembly.

The US president, who announced on social media, said the escalator broke down while he was trying to use it with First Lady Melania Trump.

He added that he was "duped three times" by a teleprompter and audio interruptions as he prepared to deliver his speech.

The UN official responded by saying that the volume was turned down to allow some individuals to hear him through the interpreter.

In an earlier response, the United Nations said the elevator operator, who was allegedly filming Trump's video, stepped back and the machine did not stop, and that the teleprompter was carrying American delegates.

Trump criticized the situation on his Truez account and announced that he would send a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding an investigation.