Nothing frustrates a New Yorker in a hurry like finding that a street has been blocked off because some big shot is in town. Apparently, the same is true for the president of France, Emmanuel Macron.
On Monday evening, Mr. Macron, in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, was stuck on a Manhattan street corner that had been closed off for President Trump’s motorcade. (The meeting of world leaders is, among other things, a traffic nightmare.)
At first, Mr. Macron did what many New Yorkers might do: he pleaded with a police officer to let him cross the street.
“I have 10 people with me,” Mr. Macron told the officer, according to video that shows the French president making his case on the street corner. “I go to the French embassy.”
But the officer politely held his ground and would not let Mr. Macron cross the street.
“I’m sorry, president, I’m really sorry,” he told Mr. Macron. “It’s just that everything’s been frozen right now. There’s a motorcade coming right now. I’m sorry.”
Mr. Macron, who has engaged in diplomacy to try to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, tried again. “I negotiate with you,” the French president said on the video.
When that didn’t work, Mr. Macron did what average New Yorkers cannot do: He pulled out his phone and called the president of the United States.
“How are you?” he asked Mr. Trump, cellphone pressed to his ear. “Guess what? I am waiting the street because everything is frozen for you.”
It was not clear from the video what Mr. Trump said. But Mr. Macron chuckled and told the American president that he was hoping to have a discussion with him and Qatari officials about the situation in Gaza.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
The French president’s office confirmed that while leaving the United Nations on Monday evening, Mr. Macron was caught in a “freeze” when the streets were blocked to allow the American president’s motorcade to pass. Mr. Macron’s office confirmed that Mr. Macron used the opportunity to call Mr. Trump and said the two had a “very warm and amicable” discussion about international issues.
Mr. Macron was eventually allowed to cross the street. Video from Brut, a French news outlet, showed him walking past food carts and posing for photos with people, including a man who planted a kiss on his forehead.
The New York Police Department said in a statement that thousands of officers were on call this week to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and foreign dignitaries during the U.N. General Assembly.
“Merci to President Macron for recognizing the dedication and tireless efforts of our officers who safeguard this annual event,” the department said.
Catherine Porter contributed reporting.
Michael Levenson covers breaking news for The Times from New York.
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