PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron enjoys expressing that he can reach President Donald Trump anytime he wants. His recent trip to New York for the U.N. General Assembly confirmed this capability.
On Monday evening, New York police officers obstructed Macron’s path as he tried to walk to France’s diplomatic mission, citing road closures for a VIP motorcade. In response, he pulled out his phone to dial Trump.
“How are you?” Macron greeted. “Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!”
French news reported that Trump was indeed on the line, a detail confirmed by a French official to The Associated Press.
Macron explained to the officers that he was attempting to reach the diplomatic mission following his speech at the United Nations, where he announced France’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.
“I have 10 people with me,” Macron said, negotiating his passage.
“I’m sorry, President. I’m really sorry, it’s just that everything is frozen right now,” one officer responded.
Despite being momentarily delayed, Macron continued his call with Trump, discussing the Gaza situation and expressing a desire to collaborate with Qatar this weekend.
French media later reported that the street was reopened, allowing Macron to continue his journey.
The formal recognition of Palestinian statehood by France marks a significant moment during the high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the ongoing Mideast conflict.
