Macron Delayed by Trump's Convoy; 30-Minute Call

On Sept. 22, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron was briefly stopped in Midtown Manhattan after NYPD halted his car to clear the route for U.S. President Donald Trump’s motorcade following Macron’s United Nations General Assembly speech recognizing the State of Palestine. Video shows an officer telling him “everything’s frozen,” Macron stepping out and calling Mr. Trump directly, joking that he was “waiting in the street” because of the motorcade. Macron’s team confirmed the call was warm, lasted roughly 30 minutes and touched on international issues as he walked toward the French embassy. Only pedestrians were allowed through, so Macron proceeded with his security detail, stopping for selfies and friendly interactions with passersby. The episode went viral and drew attention because it occurred immediately after Macron’s historic recognition of Palestinian statehood and his proposal for a UN-mandated stabilization force in Gaza.