French President Emmanuel Macron found himself briefly stranded on the streets of New York this week after his motorcade was halted by police to make way for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s convoy.
The unexpected delay unfolded shortly after Macron had delivered an address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. His car was stopped by NYPD officers who were managing traffic around Trump’s heavily guarded presidential convoy.
Macron Steps Out of the Car
With the standstill showing no signs of easing, Macron stepped out of his vehicle and attempted to negotiate directly with officers. Footage captured by French media outlet Brut showed him explaining his situation in English.
“I have 10 people with me, I am going to the French embassy,” Macron told a police officer.
But the officer, who remained polite yet firm, apologised. “I’m sorry, Mr President, everything is blocked right now,” he responded, holding the line despite recognising the high-profile leader in front of him.
A Phone Call to Trump
Frustrated yet calm, Macron resorted to a rather unusual tactic: phoning Trump directly. The video showed him pulling out his phone and placing a call to the former U.S. president.
“Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is closed for you,” Macron joked, lightening the tense situation with a smile.
The conversation quickly turned to global politics. Macron raised the ongoing war in Gaza, telling Trump: “I would love it if we could have a short discussion with Qatar and you about the situation in Gaza.”
Forced to Walk
Despite his efforts, the roadblock remained in place. Macron eventually decided to abandon the car and continue his journey to the French Embassy on foot, flanked by aides and security officers.
Footage showed him pacing purposefully down the Manhattan street while still on the phone, combining diplomacy with an unexpected detour.
Warm Reception from New Yorkers
As he walked, Macron was quickly recognised by members of the public. Several New Yorkers stopped him for selfies, while one overenthusiastic passerby even kissed him on the head.
The French president laughed off the encounter and gestured for his bodyguards to relax. “No, no, it’s okay, guys,” he reassured them.
NYPD Issues Statement
The NYPD later expressed gratitude for Macron’s patience during the disruption. “Thousands of NYPD officers are on call this week to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers and our foreign dignitary guests during the UN General Assembly,” the department said in a statement.
“Merci to President Macron for recognising the dedication and tireless efforts of our officers who safeguard this annual event,” it added.
Diplomatic Backdrop
The light-hearted street drama came at a serious diplomatic moment. Macron used his speech at the UN to announce that France now formally recognises a Palestinian state, joining a growing number of Western nations that have shifted their stance in recent months.
“The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it,” Macron declared.
Support for a Two-State Solution
He emphasised France’s support for a two-state solution, saying that both Israelis and Palestinians must be able to live in security and dignity.
“It is not a question of choosing one people over another,” Macron said, “but of recognising that only a viable Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel can bring lasting peace.”
Wider Context of Recognition
France’s decision comes after Britain, Canada, and Australia also recognised Palestinian statehood, moves that have triggered heated debate internationally. Critics argue that such recognition risks emboldening Hamas, while supporters see it as an essential step toward breaking a cycle of violence and deadlock.
Macron, however, was clear that recognition was “not a reward for terrorism” and that Hamas “can have no role in government or security” in a future Palestinian state.
Walking Symbolism
Ironically, Macron’s forced walk through New York’s streets mirrored the message of accessibility and directness he has tried to project on the world stage.
While inconvenienced by Trump’s security bubble, the French leader’s decision to simply continue on foot — pausing for selfies and speaking with locals — offered an unscripted glimpse of diplomacy at street level.
Symbol of a Busy UN Week
The moment also underlined the logistical headaches that accompany the UN General Assembly each year. With dozens of world leaders in town, New York City becomes a maze of road closures, heavy security, and motorcades competing for priority.
This year, Trump’s return to the international spotlight added yet another layer of complexity to an already high-security week.
Macron’s Balancing Act
For Macron, the encounter with New York traffic served as both a literal and symbolic reminder of the obstacles facing diplomacy. He is seeking to position France as a leading voice for peace in the Middle East while navigating tense relations with both Washington and Jerusalem.
“The time for peace has come,” Macron repeated at the UN, warning that settlement expansion in the West Bank and the intensifying war in Gaza threaten to erase the possibility of a two-state solution altogether.
Looking Ahead
While Macron’s short walk may fade as a quirky anecdote of the UNGA, his declaration on Palestinian statehood marks a lasting shift in France’s role in the region.
Whether it will open doors for serious negotiations — or, like the blocked road in Manhattan, represent just another impasse — remains to be seen.
