French President Emmanuel Macron called President Donald Trump on Monday over blocked streets in New York City, and eventually had to walk for half an hour through the city to get to his destination.
Macron and other French officials were trying to cross the street but were told the area was closed off due to the VIP motorcade passing by.
Macron told the police officers that he had 10 people with him and was looking to go to the French Embassy. The French president was at the United Nations, where he formally announced earlier in the day that France would recognize the independent state of Palestine.
“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,” the police officer said, according to a video recorded by Reuters.
“If you don’t see it, let me cross,” Macron told the police officer. “I negotiate with you.”
“How are you?” Macron said as he got Trump on the line. “Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!”
Later during the call, Macron told Trump he would “love” to have a discussion with the president and Qatar about the “situation in Gaza.”
The French Embassy in Washington, D.C., told The Hill on Tuesday that it is a “good thing that our presidents have each other on speed dial. … If you’ve ever had to walk through NYC during UNGA, this is 100 percent #relatable content.”
Sarakshi Rai contributed.