Macron Uses Phone Call to Navigate NYC Traffic During UN Assembly

Tue Sep 23 2025 20:01:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

French President Emmanuel Macron showcased a blend of diplomacy and humor during a recent incident in New York, where he navigated a roadblocks by calling U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing urgent international matters amidst his busy schedule at the UN General Assembly.

During the UN General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself blocked by security while trying to reach France's diplomatic mission in New York. Demonstrating his close rapport with U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron made a phone call to inform Trump of the situation, while also seizing the moment to discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza. This incident highlights the informal yet significant exchanges that can take place in the high-stakes environment of international diplomacy.

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron demonstrated his diplomatic finesse earlier this week during a visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly. The incident unfolded when he was blocked by police while trying to cross the street, which had been closed for a VIP motorcade.

In a light-hearted moment, Macron pulled out his phone and dialed U.S. President Donald Trump. How are you? he asked, adding, Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you! A French official later confirmed that Trump was indeed at the other end of the line.

Macron was attempting to reach France's diplomatic mission following a speech at the U.N. where he made a significant announcement regarding France's recognition of Palestinian statehood. He explained to the police that he had a group of 10 people with him and needed to make his way through. Unfortunately, the police informed him that thoroughfare was still restricted.

Despite the roadblock, Macron successfully took advantage of this unexpected pause to continue discussing pressing issues with Trump, including the situation in Gaza. According to French media sources, he was able to resume his walk a few minutes later when the street opened up again.

This incident not only illustrates Macron's accessibility and rapport with Trump but also underscores the dynamic nature of international diplomacy, where even a seemingly trivial moment can lead to significant political discussion.

Macron's announcement at the U.N. was aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, a topic that remains central to global diplomacy.