During his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself stuck on a street blocked due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s motorcade.
A police officer informed Macron that the road was frozen because of the approaching motorcade, preventing him from crossing.
Showing his diplomatic wit, Macron joked with the officers, saying, “If you don’t see it, let me cross. I negotiate with you.” Eventually, while waiting on the sidewalk, Macron took the unusual step of calling President Trump. On the call, he lightheartedly said, “Guess what—I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.”
Macron used the opportunity to express his intent to have a brief discussion with Trump and Qatar regarding the situation in Gaza.
The phone call was described by sources as warm and friendly, with the two leaders touching on several international topics during the conversation.
This lighthearted incident was caught on video and has since gone viral on social media, illustrating the uniquely personal rapport between the world leaders despite the high stakes of their diplomatic engagements.
It also highlighted a shared moment of humor amid the intensive political discussions at the UN.
Earlier that day, Macron had outlined France’s position on several key international issues, including recognizing Palestinian statehood, which had drawn contrasting views from Trump.
The incident adds a humanizing vignette to the relationship between Macron and Trump during a tense international summit.
