French President Emmanuel Macron was forced to walk through New York after UN traffic left his motorcade stranded.
French President Emmanuel Macron endured an unusual diplomatic moment in New York after his motorcade was trapped in heavy UN traffic, forcing him to walk 30 minutes through Manhattan.
Footage published by French outlet Brut showed Macron pleading with an NYPD officer to let him pass. “I’m really sorry, Mr. President, everything is currently blocked,” the officer replied. Moments later, Macron appeared to call Donald Trump, telling him: “How are you? Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is closed for you.”
Despite the disruption, Macron laughed off the situation, smiling for photos with bystanders. In one instance, a man kissed him on the head, prompting his security team to tense up before the president reassured them: “No, no, it’s okay, guys.”
The NYPD declined to comment. Macron’s UN visit included France’s formal recognition of the “State of Palestine,” a largely symbolic move aimed at increasing pressure on Israel over Gaza.