In New York City, French President Emmanuel Macron was left waiting on the side of the road to clear the way for United States President Donald Trump’s motorcade. The incident occurred just after Macron had announced France’s recognition of a Palestinian state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday, a move that went against U.S. policy.
In his UN speech, President Macron had also outlined a parallel framework that France is promoting. However, following his speech, he found his vehicle stranded on the streets of New York as police stopped it to allow Trump’s motorcade to pass, according to reports from British media outlets. Videos showed the French president arguing with police officials to let him pass through the road barricades.
Officials, however, refused to budge, telling Macron: “I’m really sorry, Mr. President, everything is frozen.” Taking matters into his own hands, the French president reportedly called the U.S. president, asking him to “clear the road.” Video footage showed the 47-year-old telling Trump over the phone, “I’m waiting in the street right now because everything is frozen for you.”
His phone call proved unsuccessful, and he was eventually forced to walk as police initially opened the roads only for pedestrians. The French president was seen walking down the New York City streets while still on the phone with Trump. Macron, however, made light of the situation, posing for photos with passersby and sharing a laugh with them.
The incident comes at a time of friction between the U.S. and its Western allies over the recognition of a Palestinian state. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump views the Western nations’ decision to recognize a Palestinian state as a “reward to Hamas.” Leavitt told reporters, “He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza, does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close.” She added that Trump believes that recognizing Palestinian statehood amounts to “more talk and not enough action” from U.S. allies.
