French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of Palestinian statehood recognition at the United Nations drew an immediate and forceful response from former U.S. President Donald Trump, setting up a high-profile clash in New York.
The contrast between their speeches highlighted a stark divide in international policy approaches toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speaking before world leaders at the UN General Assembly, Macron declared that France now officially recognizes a Palestinian state.
He insisted the decision was “essential to peace,” presenting it as part of his country’s long-term vision for resolving the decades-long conflict.
Macron framed the recognition as a diplomatic step intended to advance negotiations. Trump, in his own address to the Assembly, directly rejected Macron’s announcement.
Later in the day, Macron found himself in an unusual situation on the streets of Manhattan.
While attempting to cross a road near the UN complex, Macron was stopped by New York police officers who had frozen traffic to allow Trump’s motorcade to pass.
Video recordings of the incident captured the tense moment.
An officer was heard telling Macron, “Sorry President, everything is frozen, the motorcade moving now.” Macron, visibly irritated, replied, “If you don’t see it, let me cross.”
The standoff left the French leader waiting in the street.
Macron then pulled out his phone and placed a direct call to Trump.
According to footage circulating online, he told Trump, “Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.”
Only after this call did the officers open the road, allowing Macron to move forward.
Rather than retreat to a motorcade of his own, Macron continued on foot through Manhattan.
For nearly thirty minutes, he walked through the streets, drawing attention from residents and visitors who quickly recognized him.
Crowds reportedly formed around the French president, taking selfies and recording videos of the rare moment and many passersby approached Macron to shake his hand or take photos.
At one point, a bystander planted a kiss on the top of his head. Macron laughed off the encounter, saying, “It’s just a kiss, makes no harm.”
The incident quickly went viral online, circulating across social media platforms.
The France Embassy in Washington, D.C., also leaned into the episode.
Fox News reported that posting on its official X account, the embassy wrote, “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.”
During Trump’s address, he warned that recognition of a Palestinian state at this time amounted to a “reward” for Hamas, which he held responsible for “horrible atrocities, including October 7.”
Trump argued that such recognition would embolden Hamas, prolong instability and delay meaningful peace talks.
France’s announcement placed it among countries moving toward formal recognition, while the United States under Trump emphasized the security risks associated with recognition without reforms or safeguards.
For Macron, the decision was framed as a moral and strategic imperative.
For Trump, it represented what he described as rewarding terrorism.
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