PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron likes to say that he can get President Donald Trump on the phone any time he wants. In New York for the U.N. General Assembly, he proved it.
Blocked on Monday night by police officers when he sought to cross a New York street — they told the French president the road was closed to let a VIP motorcade pass — Macron fished out his phone and dialed his U.S. counterpart.
“How are you?” Macron said. “Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!”
French media that filmed the scene confirmed Trump was indeed on the line, which was corroborated by a French official.
Macron sought to explain to the officers that he was trying to reach France’s diplomatic mission in New York after delivering a speech at the United Nations where he announced that France was formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
“I have 10 people with me,” Macron said, seeking passage across the street.
“I’m sorry President, I’m really sorry, it’s just that everything’s frozen right now,” a police officer told Macron.
However, since he had Trump’s ear, Macron used the opportunity to keep chatting. “I would love this weekend to have a short discussion with Qatar and you on the situation in Gaza,” he said.
French media reported that Macron was able to proceed on foot moments later when the street was reopened.
France officially recognized Palestinian statehood on Monday at the start of a high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict.
