Macron tells Trump to 'clear the way' after NYPD stops French President's car outside UN headquarters moments after France formally recognizes Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron faced an unusual situation in New York on Monday night (September 22, 2025) after leaving the United Nations headquarters situated at Turtle Bay, Midtown Manhattan in New York City. New York Police Department (NYPD) officers forced Macron's cavalcade, which was moving towards the French Embassy at 934 Fifth Avenue, to stop as the roads in the area were blocked. The distance between the UN headquarters and the French Embassy is about 1 mile (1.6 km).

The road blockade had nothing to do with any demonstrations or protests in the area. Instead it was about the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

Trump's presidential motorcade was passing through the area which led to NYPD stopping the French President's cavalcade. Macron was leaving the UN headquarters after he officially declared that France recognized the State of Palestine, much to the chagrin of Israel.


After stopping Macron's car, a NYPD officer walked up to the French President who had alighted from the vehicle. "I'm sorry, Mr. President, I am sorry. Everything is blocked at the moment," the officer told Macron while signaling that Trump's motorcade was passing through.


Macron quickly took out his phone and dialed Trump, explaining to him the unusual stoppage of his motorcade. "How are you? Guess what, I'm waiting in the street right now because everything is blocked for you," he spoke to Trump while smiling. He also joked with Trump to "clear the way".

What Trump replied to Macron has not been revealed but the blockade continued for several minutes before it was lifted for pedestrian traffic. Macron and his entourage then started walking on the pavement. The French President also posed for photos with people strolling in the area.

Recognition of Palestinian state

France along with other European nations - Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Andorra, formally recognized Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. The other major countries which have recognized Palestine in the last few days are the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. A total of 156 countries now officially recognize the Palestinian state.

Macron announced France's decision at a conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was also present during the conference,

Israel has been expressing its displeasure at European nations formally recognizing Palestinian state. The Middle East has been on the boil ever since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 251 others.

Israel launched a massive military operation after the Hamas attack and has eliminated almost the entire leadership of the terror group operating out of Palestine. The country’s armed forces have continued to pound entire Palestine, resulting in thousands of civilians being killed, drawing massive condemnation from countries across the world.