NEW YORK — Even world leaders are not immune to the frustrations of New York City traffic. French President Emmanuel Macron found himself stranded on a Manhattan street late Monday after being blocked by police officers securing a motorcade for U.S. President Donald Trump.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated by French media, unfolded just blocks from the United Nations headquarters, where world leaders have gathered this week for the annual UN General Assembly. Macron, attempting to walk to France’s diplomatic mission after delivering a major address, was halted at a police barrier and told the street was closed.
Rather than wait in silence, Macron pulled out his phone and placed a call to Trump. Smiling at the irony of the situation, he said: “Guess what? I’m waiting on the street because everything is frozen for you!” Trump, reportedly amused, responded before the two men continued their lighthearted exchange.
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Macron explained to the officers that he had about ten people accompanying him and was simply trying to return to his delegation’s building. The officers apologized but insisted that security restrictions had to remain in place until the motorcade passed. “I’m sorry, President, I’m really sorry, it’s just that everything’s frozen right now,” one officer told him.
While stuck on the street, Macron used the unexpected moment to pivot toward diplomacy. According to French media, he told Trump: “I would love this weekend to have a short discussion with Qatar and you on the situation in Gaza.” French officials later confirmed that Trump was indeed on the line during the exchange.
The delay lasted only a few minutes, and Macron and his entourage were soon able to continue their walk once the motorcade cleared. But the episode quickly became a talking point among journalists and diplomats attending the UN meetings, highlighting both the chaos of Manhattan traffic during the high-level summit and the unusual ways in which world leaders sometimes conduct business.
Earlier that same day, Macron delivered a forceful speech at the UN, announcing that France now formally recognizes Palestinian statehood. His address was part of a broader call for renewed momentum toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron urged other countries to follow France’s lead, arguing that recognition was essential to restoring hope in the Middle East peace process.
The combination of his high-profile UN declaration and the viral street encounter ensured Macron remained at the center of attention on Monday. For New Yorkers, the sight of a world leader caught in gridlock may have been familiar — but for Macron, it was a reminder that in New York, not even presidents are exempt from waiting in traffic.
