Security limitations surrounding US President Donald Trump’s motorcade on Monday caused French President Emmanuel Macron to experience an unusual delay in New York.
The event happened soon after Macron publicly declared France’s recognition of the State of Palestine in his speech to the UN General Assembly. New York police detained him as he left the UN headquarters, claiming that the presidential motorcade was about to pass.
A police officer is heard telling Macron, “I’m sorry, Mr. President, everything is blocked right now,” in a video that Brut extensively shared on social media. During the wait, Macron called Trump and joked, “Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is blocked for you.” He was clearly amused.
Even though the area was later made pedestrian-friendly again, Macron had to carry on his phone call as he made his way to the French Embassy, which is unusual for New Yorkers who are used to seeing foreign leaders move under strict security.
According to French publication La Dépêche, Macron met onlookers, posed for photographs, and even got a kiss on the forehead from one of them.
Every time the US president visits the UN headquarters, security measures enforce a “freeze,” which shuts down traffic for several blocks around the UN, according to individuals in the entourage.
“That was the case yesterday as we were leaving the building, with the American presidential motorcade on its way. Taking advantage of the pause, the president placed a phone call to Donald Trump. The exchange was described as warm and friendly, and provided an opportunity to touch base on a number of international issues,” sources disclosed.
Trump landed in New York City on Monday night to attend the United Nations General Assembly’s 80th session.
In his first speech at the UNGA General Debate of his second term as US president, he will speak to world leaders Tuesday morning from the recognisable green platform in the UNGA hall.
In addition to bringing world leaders to the UN headquarters, the annual high-level General Assembly session also causes gridlock, extreme traffic, and heightened security throughout New York City as Manhattan is fortified for a week to accommodate visiting heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and their powerful delegations.
