Macron Stranded in New York as Trump’s Motorcade Blocks Streets
- French president Emmanuel Macron was left stranded on a New York street after police blocked roads for Donald Trump’s motorcade
- The incident followed Macron’s landmark UN speech recognising Palestinian statehood, a move that has strained relations with the US
- A light-hearted phone call between the two leaders unfolded amid rising diplomatic tensions and global scrutiny
French president Emmanuel Macron was left stranded on the streets of New York after police closed roads to accommodate US president Donald Trump’s motorcade, prompting an impromptu phone call between the two leaders that has since gone viral.
In a widely circulated video, Mr Macron was seen stepping out of his vehicle and attempting to negotiate with a police officer after being halted en route from the United Nations General Assembly.
Source: Getty Images
The officer, apologising, explained that the streets had been shut to make way for Mr Trump’s presidential convoy, which can span more than a dozen vehicles.
Macron, visibly frustrated, leaned over a metal barricade and said:
“If you don’t see [the motorcade], let me pass.” Unable to proceed, he phoned Mr Trump directly. “Hey, how are you? Guess what, I am waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you, ha!” he told the president.
Macron’s recognition of Palestinian statehood sparks tensions
The incident occurred shortly after Mr Macron delivered a landmark speech at the UN, in which he formally recognised a Palestinian state.
His remarks, made on Monday, came amid growing international momentum, with Britain, Canada and other Western allies having made similar declarations the day before.
Addressing the summit, which was boycotted by both the US and Israel, Mr Macron warned that the opportunity for peace was rapidly vanishing.
“We are moments away from no longer being able to seize it,” he said. In a pointed rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, he added: “Nothing, nothing justifies the continuation of the war in Gaza.”
The French president has played a leading role in rallying support for Palestinian statehood, despite opposition from Washington. Mr Trump previously condemned the move as a “reward to Hamas”, and in July dismissed Mr Macron’s intentions as a “performative stunt”.
Speaking of his counterpart, Mr Trump said:
“He’s a different kind of a guy. He’s OK, he’s a team player. But what he says doesn’t matter, it’s not going to change anything.” He added that Mr Macron is a “good guy” and “I like him”, but insisted his statement “doesn’t carry any weight”.
Macron’s Manhattan walkabout draws public attention
Following the roadblock, Mr Macron was filmed walking towards the French embassy while still on the phone to Mr Trump. During his unexpected stroll through Manhattan, he posed for photos with passers-by and was even kissed on the head by a man, which he laughed off.
The light-hearted exchange between the two presidents comes at a delicate moment in Franco-American relations, underscored by diverging views on Middle East diplomacy.
President Trump is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly at 10am local time (3pm BST) on Tuesday, as world leaders convene to mark the 80th anniversary of the international body. He is also expected to hold meetings with Arab leaders during his visit.
Source: Getty Images
Britain recognises Palestinian state
Legit.ng earlier reported that Britain formally recognised the State of Palestine on Sunday, citing Israel’s failure to meet conditions including a ceasefire in the nearly two-year-old Gaza war.
The announcement, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signalled a significant shift in UK foreign policy and carried symbolic weight given Britain’s historic role in the creation of modern Israel following World War Two.
The decision comes amid mounting international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which Starmer described as “utterly intolerable”.
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Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
