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French President Emmanuel Macron’s push for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations clashed sharply with Donald Trump’s message — but the two leaders’ rivalry also played out in the streets of New York in an unexpected way.
At the UN General Assembly, Macron formally announced France’s recognition of a Palestinian state, insisting the move was “essential to peace.” Trump, speaking today, blasted the recognition as a “reward” for Hamas’s “horrible atrocities, including October 7,” that would only prolong conflict.
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France’s President Emmanuel Macron said his nation would recognize a Palestinian state on Monday. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
But away from the UN stage, the two presidents collided in an unusual moment when Macron was stopped at a crosswalk by New York police as Trump’s motorcade rolled through Manhattan. “Sorry President, everything is frozen, the motorcade moving now,” one officer told him. Macron, visibly frustrated, replied, “If you don’t see it, let me cross.”
With the road blocked, Macron picked up his phone and called President Trump directly. According to a video circulating online, the French president said: “Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.” Only after the call was the road eventually cleared.
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U.S. President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One in Arizona after arriving for the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium, on Sept. 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Macron then walked through the city for nearly half an hour, trailed by passersby who stopped him for selfies. One person planted a kiss on his head. Macron laughed off the encounter, saying, “It’s just a kiss, makes no harm.”
Trump unleashed on the UN in an address before the General Assembly. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
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France’s embassy in the U.S official X account leaned into the moment with humor: “It’s a good thing our presidents have each other on speed dial… If you’ve ever had to walk through NYC during UNGA, this is 110% relatable content.”
Efrat Lachter is an investigative reporter and war correspondent. Her work has taken her to 40 countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan. She is a recipient of the 2024 Knight-Wallace Fellowship for Journalism. Lachter can be followed on X @efratlachter.
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