People around the world know how much power President Trump has. More times than not, they need his assistance.
And a foreign leader was caught making a desperate phone call to Trump for help.
French President Emmanuel Macron thought he was strutting into the Big Apple like a global big shot, but New York City had other plans. During his visit for the United Nations General Assembly, Macron’s fancy motorcade hit a wall of gridlock caused by none other than the UN’s own chaos. Instead of gliding through in style, the European elite ended up ditching his ride and pounding the pavement like any other frustrated pedestrian.
The whole fiasco unfolded right after Macron wrapped up his speech at the UN, where he stirred up plenty of controversy. Per French media outlet Brut, the scene shows Macron pleading with an NYPD officer to cut him some slack and let his car through. But the cop wasn’t having it, standing firm amid the sea of blocked streets.
“I’m really sorry, Mr. President, everything is currently blocked,” the officer tells Macron politely but resolutely. Undeterred, the French leader tries to negotiate, suggesting they could slip by as long as President Trump’s convoy wasn’t barreling through at that exact moment.
When that didn’t work, Macron pulled out his phone and dialed up what appears to be Donald Trump. The video catches him chuckling through the awkward moment, turning what could have been a diplomatic headache into a lighthearted chat.
“How are you? Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is closed for you,” Macron said.
With no quick fix in sight, Macron had no choice but to hoof it for the next half-hour through Manhattan’s bustling streets, per Brut. It’s the kind of everyday hassle that regular folks deal with all the time, but for a world leader accustomed to red carpets, it must have felt like a reality check.
Surprisingly, Macron didn’t throw a tantrum. He kept his cool, flashing smiles and stopping for pictures with stunned onlookers who couldn’t believe their luck spotting a president on foot.
The crowd’s enthusiasm peaked when one bold New Yorker, mid-photo op with Macron, leaned in and planted a kiss right on the president’s head. That sent his security detail into high alert, but Macron waved them off with a grin.
“No, no, it’s okay, guys,” Macron said to his security team.
The NYPD, for their part, stood by their officer’s handling of the situation. In a city that’s no stranger to VIP drama during UN week, they appreciated Macron’s good humor amid the mess.
“Thousands of NYPD officers are on call this week to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers and our foreign dignitary guests during the UN General Assembly,” an NYPD spokesperson said to the New York Post.
They even tossed in a cheeky nod to the French president: “Merci to President Macron for recognizing the dedication and tireless efforts of our officers who safeguard this annual event.”
But let’s not forget why Macron was in town in the first place. Beyond the traffic jam comedy, he used his UN platform to make a bold move: officially recognizing the “State of Palestine” on behalf of France. This comes hot on the heels of similar declarations from Australia, Canada, the UK, and Portugal.
While it’s mostly just symbolic posturing, Macron’s announcement aims to crank up the heat on Israel to wrap up the Gaza conflict.
In the eyes of many, it’s another example of global elites meddling in Middle East affairs from afar, without much regard for the on-the-ground realities facing Israel.
For some Americans, this whole episode paints Macron as the out-of-touch Eurocrat he is—begging for favors in Trump’s shadow while pushing policies that sideline America’s allies.
It’s a reminder that when push comes to shove, even fancy titles can’t beat New York’s no-nonsense streets.
