New York City traffic briefly delayed French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday when a police officer stopped him from crossing a street due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s motorcade. Continue reading....
The unusual moment unfolded as Macron, walking with his delegation, was halted at a barricade. A visibly apologetic officer explained, “I’m sorry, Mister President, I’m really sorry. It’s just that everything’s been frozen right now. There’s a motorcade coming.”
Rather than appearing frustrated, Macron responded with humor. Referencing the high-level negotiations at the U.N. General Assembly, he quipped: “If you don’t see it, let me cross. I negotiate with you.”
Stuck on the sidewalk, Macron took matters into his own hands—literally. He phoned Trump directly, joking: “Guess what—I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.” He added that he wanted to have a short discussion with Trump and Qatar about the situation in Gaza.
According to a source close to the French president, Macron and Trump held a “warm and friendly” conversation while Macron continued walking, during which they touched on several international issues.
The lighthearted exchange, captured on video and widely shared on social media, offered a rare, candid glimpse of diplomacy amid the bustle of New York streets.
French President Emmanuel Macron called President Trump after being blocked from crossing a New York street due to a VIP motorcade, the AP reported.
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) September 23, 2025
Macron told police he was attempting to walk to France’s diplomatic mission following his speech at the United Nations. pic.twitter.com/j7B4fAYF8e