French President Emmanuel Macron had just finished giving a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. While returning to the French Embassy late at night, his car was stopped by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The reason? Roads were completely blocked to make way for the motorcade of former US President Donald Trump, who was also in New York.
Macron’s Reaction
- Macron was left waiting on the street, unable to move forward.
- He stepped out of his car to speak directly with the police officers.
- In a light-hearted moment, Macron took out his phone and jokingly called Trump while standing on the street.
- A video of this unusual incident quickly went viral on social media.
Why It’s Notable
- Protocol vs. Reality – Normally, world leaders have special clearances and movement privileges, but this incident showed how US security protocols can disrupt even foreign heads of state.
- Human Side of Leaders – Macron’s playful reaction (instead of showing anger) made the situation memorable and relatable.
- Viral Moment – The video spread widely online, drawing attention not just to UNGA events but also to Macron’s calm and humorous handling of an awkward delay.
👉 In short: Macron was briefly stranded in New York traffic because Trump’s convoy had priority, and instead of being upset, he laughed it off by calling Trump — turning a diplomatic inconvenience into a viral moment.
