Watch | On US Roads For 30 Mins, French Prez Macron Gets Kissed On...: ‘You Handled It With Grace’

French President Emmanuel Macron had a memorable moment on the streets of New York. While returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his vehicle was briefly halted that left him stranded.

Rather than just waiting on the busy Manhattan street, Macron chose to take a walk. As he strolled, he smiled for photographs and waved at passersby. People couldn’t help but notice how calm and friendly Macron was who admired how smoothly he handled the unexpected delay.

A Street-Side Pause And Then A Walk

The hold-up reportedly happened because police had to clear the way for US President Donald Trump’s motorcade. A police officer approached Macron and said, “I’m sorry, Mr. President. I’m really sorry. It’s just that everything’s been frozen right now. There’s a motorcade coming right now. That’s why. I’m sorry.”

Macron, pointing towards the French embassy, calmly replied, “If you don’t see it, let me cross.”

Showing his sense of humour, he even called Trump, joking, “How are you? Guess what, I am waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you,” as sirens blared in the background.

It is being reported that the French President had to walk through Manhattan for around 30 minutes before finally reaching the French Embassy.

French President Emmanuel Macron was stopped by police in NYC last night after roads were blocked for Donald Trump’s motorcade.

He called Trump and said: “Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is closed for you.” Macron had to walk 30 minutes through… pic.twitter.com/u1FbEYRTdb

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 23, 2025

Internet Can’t Stop Gushing About Emmanuel Macron

Macron’s unexpected stop and impromptu walk became the talk of the internet. While some questioned the city’s security arrangements, many others admired how calm and friendly he appeared.

One user questioned “Embarrassing. Did the mayor know? No one knew that France’s president was coming into the city?”

Another praised, “Disrespectful but man what a smooth way to handle it. He’s not afraid, he’s a star.”

“A leader like Macron is pure class, a pride of his country,” someone else remarked.

A person wrote, “That’s ok. Take a stroll, Let the American people see what a real, intelligent, well-spoken, well-mannered president looks like. In case some have forgotten.”

“This just made Macron look like that much more of a leader than the buffoon,” an individual said while a viewer noted, “He is French, he is used to walking. Not a big deal. That’s how cool he is.”

Other reactions included, “President Macron – you handled that with such grace and professionalism. Thank you for being an adult and a good leader!” and “First time in years a president has walked among Americans with so much love. Hope President Donald Trump is taking notes.”

“That’s pretty cute. I’m not a fan of Macron at all, but he handled that really well, and it’s pretty charming – makes him look a bit human,” read another comment.

At The UNGA

Macron was in New York to attend the 80th session of UNGA. During the summit, France co-hosted a high-level meeting on Palestinian statehood alongside Saudi Arabia. At the gathering, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco announced they were formally recognising a Palestinian state.