NEW YORK, NY (TNND) — French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump are two leaders who clashed on their messages on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly. However, the two global leaders also extended their rivalry in the streets of New York City.
Macron was stopped by New York police officers as a crosswalk while Trump’s motorcade rolled through the streets of 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.”
Facing the blocked road, Macron made a phone call to Trump. In a video circulating online, Macron said, “Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.”
After the call was made, the road eventually cleared.
Macron continued to walk through New York City for close to half an hour. Passerbys stopped the French prime minister for photos; one even planted a kiss on Macron’s head.
The French prime minister laughed off the encounter, saying, “It’s just a kiss, makes no harm.”
France’s U.S. embassy reacted to the viral moment with humor, telling The Hill, “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.”
However the two leaders seemed to be on different pages over Palestinian statehood on Tuesday afternoon. Macron formally announced France’s recognition of a Palestinian state while Trump heavily criticized the move.
Trump called recognition of a Palestinian state a “reward” for Hamas’s “horrible atrocities, including October 7.”