French President Emmanuel Macron was stopped on the street by New York City police on Monday as they cleared the way for US President Donald Trump’s motorcade. Footage shared by French news channel BFMTV shows Macron calling Trump amid the incident in Manhattan.
🇺🇸🇫🇷Macron was stopped by cops in America
The President of France was driving through New York after his speech at the UN headquarters, but was stopped by police who blocked the streets due to Trump’s motorcade.
Emmanuel had to call Donald, but it didn’t help: as the media… pic.twitter.com/yNvmfp92Zs
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 23, 2025
Macron was in the city for the UN General Assembly, where France formally recognized the state of Palestine. After his speech, Macron and his entourage were heading from UN headquarters toward the French Embassy when officers blocked traffic to allow Trump’s convoy through.
Read more: Who recognises the State of Palestine, who doesn’t, and why does it matter?
A video released by BFMTV shows Macron standing in the street, speaking with a police officer who apologizes for the delay, explaining that a “motorcade [is] coming right up this way.”
Macron replies, “If you can’t see it, let me pass. I’ll negotiate with you,” before taking out his phone and apparently calling Trump.
”How are you? Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is closed down for you,” Macron is heard saying.
Read more: Netanyahu Gives Shut Up Call to UK, France & World Leaders And Rejects Palestinian Statehood
The French president reportedly had to wait several minutes and then continued towards the embassy on foot.
Trump is reported to have handed out his private phone number to foreign leaders to encourage direct calls and texts. Politico noted in July that Macron was among those in regular contact.