President Emmanuel Macron was caught in New York traffic mayhem and forced to call none other than President Donald Trump himself to escape the gridlock.
What was supposed to be a sleek diplomatic evening turned into a chaotic, street-side standoff for Emmanuel Macron, as the French president found himself trapped behind police barricades in Manhattan.
In a surreal turn of events following his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Macron’s convoy was brought to a halt Monday night, September 22, by the New York Police Department (NYPD). The officers at the scene were preparing for the expected arrival of Donald Trump’s motorcade.
With flashing lights, frozen streets, and no movement in sight, the leader of France stepped out of his vehicle and straight into the confused, pulsing chaos of Midtown Manhattan. He then pleaded his case with officers and dialed Trump on the spot.
Macron Negotiated: ‘If You Don’t See It, Let Me Cross’
Video captured by social media outlet Brut shows Macron trying to reason with a police officer who apologetically explains, “I’m sorry, president, I’m really sorry, everything has been frozen, there’s a motorcade coming right now.”
Looking down the eerily empty street, Macron replies with a laugh and a diplomatic edge, “If you don’t see it, let me cross. I’ll negotiate with you.”
The moment quickly escalates from tense to theatrical, as Macron, still blocked behind a metal barricade, pulls out his phone and seemingly dials Trump directly. He says with a chuckle, “How are you? Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.”
Macron Hits Manhattan on Foot
Still barred from proceeding by car, Emmanuel Macron, phone still to his ear, eventually sets off on foot, striding past shoppers, tourists, and startled pedestrians.
He walked for 30 minutes with his full security detail, making time to pose for selfies and even enduring a surprise kiss on the forehead from one bold man whom he posed for a photo with.
As he passed through the crowd, Macron reportedly explained he was trying to get to France’s consulate, now just another landmark on his unexpected New York City adventure.
