Welcome to New York, Mr. President.
French President Emmanuel Macron had a quintessential New York encounter when his motorcade was halted by United Nations traffic—captured on video as he disembarked to walk and even reached out to President Trump for assistance.
In a peculiar clip, the European leader is seen appealing to an NYPD officer for help on Monday, shortly after delivering a contentious address at the UN, as reported by French news outlet Brut.
“I sincerely apologize, Mr. President, but everything is currently at a standstill,” the officer informs Macron, who attempts to persuade the cop to allow him through if Trump’s entourage isn’t imminent.
Feeling flustered, Macron picks up his phone and seemingly contacts Trump.
“How’s it going? Just so you know, I’m stuck outside because everything is blocked for you,” Macron chuckles during the call, likely addressing his American colleague.
As a result, Macron was compelled to continue the remaining 30 minutes of his journey on foot through Manhattan, according to Brut.
The French leader seemed to handle the unexpected diplomatic situation gracefully, smiling and taking selfies with curious onlookers.
At one point, a man posing for a picture with Macron leaned down and kissed him on the head, prompting Macron to calm his alarmed security detail.
“No, no, it’s perfectly fine, everyone,” he reassured his security team, laughing once more.
The NYPD has not yet responded to requests for comments.
During his visit to New York, Macron took the opportunity to formally acknowledge the “State of Palestine” on behalf of France at the UN, joining a growing list of countries—such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and Portugal—that have expressed similar support in recent days.
This gesture from the French president, while largely symbolic, aims to intensify pressure on Israel to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Trump is anticipated to address the UN on Tuesday.
