During the 2025 United Nations General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself momentarily halted by a police barricade as he attempted to cross a street. The officers informed him that the road was closed to accommodate a VIP motorcade. Recognizing the situation, Macron promptly called President Donald Trump, humorously remarking, “Everything’s frozen for you!” This spontaneous interaction was captured by French media and later confirmed by French officials.
Prior to this incident, Macron had delivered a significant speech at the U.N., where he officially announced France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. This move aims to reinvigorate support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron also expressed a desire to discuss the situation in Gaza with President Trump and Qatari officials, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the region.
