French President Emmanuel Macron likes to say that he can get President Donald Trump on the phone any time he wants. In New York for the UN General Assembly, he proved it.
On Monday evening, while walking back to France’s diplomatic mission after addressing the United Nations, Macron was stopped by New York City police officers. They told him he could not cross because a VIP motorcade was moving through the area. Pulling out his phone, he called the US president directly.
“How are you?” Macron said. “Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!”
French broadcasters captured the exchange, and a French official later confirmed that Trump had indeed answered the call, reports AP/UNB.
Trying to persuade the officers, Macron explained he was on foot with his entourage after his UN speech in which he declared France’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
“I have 10 people with me,” he said, appealing for permission to cross.
One officer responded to Macron, “I’m sorry President, I’m really sorry, it’s just that everything’s frozen right now.”
With Trump still on the line, Macron shifted the conversation. “I would love this weekend have a short discussion with Qatar and you on the situation in Gaza,” he said.
According to French media, the French leader was able to continue walking a few minutes later once the street was reopened.
France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood was announced earlier that day during a prominent UN gathering focused on advancing a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.
