French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to New York for the UN General Assembly took an unexpected turn when he was stuck on the road due to the motorcade of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on Monday that Macron found himself unable to move due to Trump’s motorcade while traveling after his speech at the UN General Assembly.
A video captured Macron and his team stranded at an intersection behind police barricades, just like other citizens.
In the video, a police officer apologized, explaining that all roads are currently blocked.
Macron attempted to negotiate, asking the officer to let them cross if the motorcade was not in sight, but the officer did not yield.
Eventually, Macron called President Trump directly, saying, “How are you? I am waiting on the street because everything is frozen for you.”
The conversation from Trump’s end was not audible.
During the call, Macron also told Trump that he hoped to discuss the Gaza conflict with Qatari officials.
Minutes later, the police lifted the restrictions, but only pedestrian traffic was permitted.
As a result, Macron and his entourage walked for about 30 minutes through New York City to reach the French embassy. Along the way, Macron took photos with citizens he encountered.
The French presidential office later stated that Macron’s departure from the UN was delayed because Trump’s motorcade blocked the road, but emphasized that the two leaders had a “very warm and friendly conversation.”
The New York Police Department expressed its gratitude to Macron for acknowledging the dedication of the officers securing the UN General Assembly.
However, the White House declined to comment on the incident.
