French President Emmanuel Macron and his entourage were briefly stopped by police in New York City due to strict traffic restrictions for US President Donald
Trump's motorcade during the UN General Assembly session. A video circulating on social media shows Macron and his delegation waiting on a sidewalk while a police officer apologises, saying they cannot cross the street because a motorcade is approaching. "I'm sorry, President, I'm really sorry. Just that everything has been frozen right now. There is a motorcade coming right now this way," the officer tells Macron. Macron responds, pointing across the street, "If you don't see it, let me cross," before taking out his phone and laughing, saying, "How are you? Guess what, I am waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you." Sirens are heard in the background as Macron appears to be speaking with Trump.
Sources said that when the US President travels to the UN headquarters, security measures often impose a "freeze", shutting down traffic around several blocks of the area. The pause allowed Macron to make a phone call to Trump, described by sources as a warm and friendly exchange covering several international issues, reports PTI.
Macron later continued walking along the sidewalk while talking on the phone, accompanied by his delegation. He also stopped to pose for photographs with passersby, with France's UN ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, capturing the moment.
Trump arrived in New York City Monday evening to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He is scheduled to address world leaders Tuesday morning from the iconic green podium at the UNGA hall, marking his first address at the General Debate during his second term as US president.
The high-level General Assembly session brings world leaders and their delegations to the UN, along with severe traffic congestion and heavy security across Manhattan. The city is fortified for the week to accommodate visiting heads of state, foreign ministers, and their entourages.
