Trump’s Off-Script Moments Draw Attention at Board of Peace Meeting

During a recent address in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump once again demonstrated his tendency to stray from prepared remarks. Speaking at the first Board of Peace gathering on February 19, the 79-year-old leader welcomed international officials, including Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, with an unexpected compliment.

“He’s a young, handsome guy,” Trump remarked, before adding jokingly that he prefers women over “young, handsome men.”

The lighthearted tone continued as Trump revisited a viral moment at United Nations headquarters in New York. He referenced the now-infamous “escalator-gate” incident, when an escalator abruptly stopped as he and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it.

Joking about the mishap, Trump said he avoided falling thanks to Melania standing in front of him. The UN later clarified the stoppage was likely caused by a safety mechanism, possibly triggered by equipment nearby, according to BBC News.

Trump also mentioned Melania’s documentary, Melania, which reportedly holds a strong audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite mixed critical reviews.

The speech blended diplomacy with humor, once again showcasing Trump’s improvisational style.