France’s Macron Calls Trump After NYPD Stops Him: ‘Everything’s frozen for you’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French President Emmanuel Macron was briefly halted by NYPD officers while walking in Manhattan during the UN General Assembly. Blocked by a motorcade-related street closure, Macron casually called President Donald Trump and joked that “everything’s frozen for you.” The moment came just hours after France formally recognized Palestinian statehood.
Macron’s UN Street Block Call Quick Looks
- French President Emmanuel Macron was stopped by NYPD during a Manhattan street closure.
- Attempting to reach France’s UN mission, Macron called President Donald Trump directly.
- “Everything’s frozen for you!” Macron joked to Trump during the call.
- The brief sidewalk delay occurred after Macron’s UN speech recognizing Palestinian statehood.
- Macron used the call to mention Gaza talks involving Trump and Qatar.
- French media confirmed Trump was on the line; a French official validated the exchange.
- Macron resumed his walk shortly after the road reopened.
- The incident highlighted Macron’s informal rapport with world leaders amid UN week.
Deep Look:
Macron Calls Trump After NYPD Temporarily Stops Him on NYC Street During UN General Assembly
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron has long touted his open line to U.S. President Donald Trump. On Monday night in New York, as global leaders converged for the United Nations General Assembly, Macron put that claim into action — with a surprise phone call right on the street.
While attempting to cross a Manhattan street near the UN headquarters, Macron and his entourage were stopped by New York Police Department officers securing the area for a VIP motorcade. When told he couldn’t proceed, the French president pulled out his phone and called none other than Donald Trump, jokingly blaming the holdup on him.
“How are you? Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!” Macron said in English, speaking casually into the phone.
According to video footage broadcast by French media, the exchange took place in full view of both the public and reporters. A French official later confirmed to the Associated Press that Trump was indeed on the other end of the call.
Diplomatic Humor in a Tense Week
The unscripted moment offered a rare lighthearted glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of diplomatic logistics during UN Week, a time when Manhattan is transformed into a maze of security cordons, sirens, and international motorcades.
Macron had just delivered a landmark speech at the UN General Assembly, during which he announced France’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood — a move that drew global attention. His walk from the UN back to France’s diplomatic mission was meant to be routine, but city security closures temporarily brought his route to a halt.
“I Have 10 People With Me”
As officers explained that they couldn’t let anyone cross due to security protocols, Macron attempted to negotiate. “I have 10 people with me,” he said, gesturing toward his staff.
One NYPD officer apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, President. I’m really sorry, it’s just that everything’s frozen right now.”
Rather than escalate or grow frustrated, Macron took the delay in stride — dialing Trump and continuing the conversation.
From Street Banter to Middle East Diplomacy
Using the call as an opportunity for more than just a quip, Macron shifted gears mid-conversation.
He told Trump, “I would love this weekend to have a short discussion with Qatar and you on the situation in Gaza.”
The reference underscores Macron’s continued efforts to engage key players in the Middle East peace process — a subject made more urgent by escalating tensions in the region and the international response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
After a few minutes, the street reopened and Macron was allowed to continue walking with his security team.
French Media Captures the Moment
Footage of the encounter, captured by outlets including BFMTV and Le Parisien, circulated quickly across social media platforms. It reinforced Macron’s image as a hands-on, accessible leader with a uniquely informal style when dealing with global counterparts — even in unexpected settings.
The timing of the interaction was especially notable. Macron’s recognition of Palestine came during a high-profile conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, where several nations expressed renewed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While the United States and Israel boycotted the event, many European and Middle Eastern countries used it as a platform to reaffirm support for Palestinian sovereignty. Macron’s phone call to Trump — just hours after taking that bold diplomatic stance — may signal a willingness to bridge the gap with U.S. leadership on the issue.
Macron’s Relationship with Trump
Despite their ideological differences, Macron and Trump have maintained a relatively direct and functional line of communication over the years. From tense trade negotiations to NATO summits and now UN-related diplomacy, the French president has shown an ability to navigate personal politics with a degree of finesse.
This sidewalk call in New York was yet another reminder that sometimes diplomacy happens not just in chambers, summits, or press conferences — but right on the street, in real time.
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