Macron Phones Trump Over Traffic Jam in New York

Published: 24 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk, English Chronicle Online

In an unusual and lighthearted diplomatic moment, French President Emmanuel Macron called U.S. President Donald Trump to complain about being stuck in traffic in New York City. The incident occurred after Macron delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday night and found himself trapped behind a police barricade while trying to reach the French diplomatic mission.

Captured on video, Macron can be seen speaking into his cellphone with a mix of amusement and frustration: “How are you? Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!” Despite the apparent tension over their differing stances on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Macron used the opportunity to discuss more serious international matters, saying, “I would love this weekend to have a short discussion with Qatar and you on the situation in Gaza.”

An official accompanying Macron told NBC News that the phone call, conducted while he was still walking along the barricade, was a “very warm and friendly conversation that allowed them to discuss several international issues.” The U.S. side’s response could not be heard, and the White House has not provided comment.

Police officers manning the barricade appeared slightly embarrassed by the situation. In the video, one officer apologizes to Macron, saying, “I’m sorry, president, I’m really sorry, it’s just that everything’s frozen right now.” Macron, in a playful tone, suggested they could turn a blind eye, joking that he wanted to “negotiate” his way through.

Traffic disruptions affected other world leaders as well; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was seen delayed at barriers earlier the same day. French media reported that Macron was eventually able to continue his journey to the consulate without further incident.

The light-hearted traffic frustration came amid genuine diplomatic tension between the two leaders. Earlier in the week, Macron announced that France would formally recognize Palestinian statehood, a move Trump criticized as rewarding Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks. Speaking to reporters next to Macron on Tuesday, Trump said, “I think it honors Hamas and you can’t do that because of October 7. You just can’t do that.” Macron responded firmly, emphasizing that “nobody forgets the 7th of October, but after almost two years of war, what is the result? This is not the right way to proceed.”

Macron later addressed the situation in Gaza during an interview with BFMTV, stating that the U.S. president has unique leverage to stop the conflict, as the United States supplies the equipment and weapons that enable the ongoing war. “There is one person who can do something about it, and that is the U.S. president,” Macron said.

Despite their occasional public disagreements, Trump has acknowledged Macron’s efforts on global issues, praising him for addressing the Russia-Ukraine crisis and other international challenges. “He’s doing a really good job. He’s fighting hard. He’s fighting on a lot of fronts. And his words of wisdom mean a lot,” Trump remarked, adding that he and Macron have been friends since his first term.

France’s recognition of Palestine places it among a growing list of over 145 nations that have taken similar steps, while the United States, Germany, Italy, and Japan remain in the minority. Macron has positioned himself as a bridge between European interests and the American president, maintaining personal rapport while asserting France’s diplomatic positions when necessary.

Their relationship has fluctuated over time, characterized by both cordial and awkward interactions, including long handshakes and public disagreements. In June, Trump publicly criticized Macron as a “publicity-seeking” leader who “always gets it wrong” following remarks about his decision to leave the G-7 summit in Canada early. During his U.N. address, Trump also warned European nations of potential consequences for their “failed experiment of open borders,” though France was not mentioned by name.

The traffic jam phone call, while humorous, underscores the human side of diplomacy, showing that even world leaders are not immune to the everyday frustrations of city life. Yet, amid laughter and light-hearted complaints, the conversation also reflected the ongoing engagement and dialogue necessary in managing complex international issues.