French President Emmanuel Macron found himself on foot in Manhattan on Monday after heavy United Nations traffic brought his motorcade to a standstill.
The French leader was filmed calling President Donald Trump for help as he navigated the city streets following his speech to the UN General Assembly, as reported by The New York Post.
Video posted by French outlet Brut showed Macron approaching an NYPD officer, asking for assistance as road closures blocked his route. “I’m really sorry, Mr. President, everything is currently blocked,” the officer replied.
Macron phones Trump after being hemmed in by president’s motorcade https://t.co/56dtn1V6vD via @Yahoo
— chander malhotra(writer/moon/cloud/guitar/photos!) (@chandleur) September 23, 2025
Macron pressed the officer about whether Trump’s convoy was about to pass, but the officer could not clear the way.
Appearing frustrated, Macron then placed a call, which he indicated was to President Trump. “How are you? Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is closed for you,” Macron said, laughing during the exchange.
Unable to move forward in his vehicle, Macron was forced to walk roughly 30 minutes through midtown Manhattan to complete his journey, according to Brut.
The French president was seen smiling, posing for photos with pedestrians, and telling his security team to relax when one passerby bent down and kissed him on the head. “No, no, it’s okay, guys,” Macron told his detail.
Priceless: Police in New York stops Macron’s car, because the street is closed for Trump’s convoy.
Macron calls Trump to allow him to pass, but Trump humiliates Macron and tells him to walk instead, which he does 🤣
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) September 23, 2025
The NYPD has not issued a statement about the incident.
Macron’s trip to New York included a controversial announcement at the UN, where he formally recognized the “State of Palestine” on behalf of France. He joins other nations, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, which recently issued similar statements.
The French president said the recognition was aimed at increasing pressure on Israel to negotiate an end to the conflict in Gaza. His move, while symbolic, adds to the international debate surrounding the war and Israel’s security.
President Trump, who is scheduled to deliver remarks before the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, has not commented publicly on Macron’s traffic predicament or the call.
The moment added an unusual twist to the high-level diplomatic meetings in New York, underscoring the complications caused by road closures during the annual UN gathering.
Had the positions been reversed, does anyone think Macron would have taken ANY steps to clear Pres. Trumps’ route ? No – I thought not !
This is how the President of the United States is is transported, by the Secret Service detail. Even he has little to say in the matter. NYPD officers are ordered, by headquarters, to close an intersection. Macron asks for special consideration, from a cop, who doesn’t know him from Eve. Don’t put yourself in the position to have your feet hurt.