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Emmanuel Macron was stopped by New York police due to Donald Trump’s motorcade during the UN General Assembly, leading to a lighthearted phone call between the two presidents.
News18
French President Emmanuel Macron was forced to walk after police stopped his motorcade to enforce traffic restrictions for US President Donald Trump’s convoy. The incident occurred as the high-level UN General Assembly session plunged New York City into its trademark gridlock.
A video circulating on social media shows Macron and his delegation waiting on the sidewalk as a New York police officer, while apologising, explained that they could not cross the road because traffic had been frozen for a motorcade.
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“I’m sorry, President, I’m really sorry. Just that everything has been frozen right now. There is a motorcade coming right now this way. I’m sorry,” the officer can be heard telling Macron.
Macron responded by pointing across the street to the French embassy. “If you don’t see it, let me cross,” he said, while the officers signalled that they could already hear the approaching cavalcade.
Awkward moment: Macron stopped in New York because of Trump’s motorcadePolice who had blocked roads for Donald Trump’s motorcade mistakenly stopped the car of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron got out of the vehicle, called Trump, and jokingly asked him to “clear the… pic.twitter.com/fcRd3Md336
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 23, 2025
The video then captures Macron pulling out his phone and joking about the situation. With a laugh, he says, “How are you? Guess what, I am waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.” In the background, sirens blare as Macron appears to be speaking to Trump directly.
According to sources in his entourage, whenever the American president travels to the United Nations headquarters, authorities impose a “freeze,” shutting down traffic across several surrounding blocks.
“That was the case yesterday as we were leaving the building, with the American presidential motorcade on its way. Taking advantage of the pause, the president placed a phone call to Donald Trump. The exchange was described as warm and friendly, and provided an opportunity to touch base on a number of international issues,” sources told PTI.
The video further shows Macron walking along the sidewalk, still on the phone, surrounded by his delegation. He stopped to pose for pictures with passersby, while France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, took photographs of Macron with a couple on the street.
Trump had arrived in New York City on Monday evening to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. On Tuesday morning, he was scheduled to deliver his first address of the General Debate in his second term as US president, speaking from the iconic green podium in the UNGA hall.
The UNGA’s annual high-level session not only draws world leaders to New York but also triggers gridlocks, traffic snarls, and intense security measures across Manhattan. For an entire week, the city becomes a fortress to accommodate presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and their powerful delegations.
About the Author
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
September 24, 2025, 14:48 IST
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