Heavy Traffic Turns Emmanuel Macron's UN Summit Trip in New York Into an Adventure

President Emmanuel Macron was caught in New York traffic mayhem and forced to call none other than President Donald Trump himself to escape the gridlock.

What was supposed to be a sleek diplomatic evening turned into a chaotic, street-side standoff for Emmanuel Macron, as the French president found himself trapped behind police barricades in Manhattan.

In a surreal turn of events following his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Macron's convoy was brought to a halt Monday night, September 22, by the New York Police Department (NYPD). The officers at the scene were preparing for the expected arrival of Donald Trump’s motorcade.

With flashing lights, frozen streets, and no movement in sight, the leader of France stepped out of his vehicle and straight into the confused, pulsing chaos of Midtown Manhattan. He then pleaded his case with officers and dialed Trump on the spot.

Macron Negotiated: 'If You Don't See It, Let Me Cross'

Video captured by social media outlet Brut shows Macron trying to reason with a police officer who apologetically explains, "I'm sorry, president, I'm really sorry, everything has been frozen, there's a motorcade coming right now."

Looking down the eerily empty street, Macron replies with a laugh and a diplomatic edge, "If you don't see it, let me cross. I'll negotiate with you."

The moment quickly escalates from tense to theatrical, as Macron, still blocked behind a metal barricade, pulls out his phone and seemingly dials Trump directly. He says with a chuckle, "How are you? Guess what? I'm waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you."

Macron Hits Manhattan on Foot

Still barred from proceeding by car, Emmanuel Macron, phone still to his ear, eventually sets off on foot, striding past shoppers, tourists, and startled pedestrians.

According to Brut, he walked for 30 minutes with his full security detail, making time to pose for selfies and even enduring a surprise kiss on the forehead from one bold man whom he posed for a photo with.

As he passed through the crowd, Macron reportedly explained he was trying to get to France’s consulate, now just another landmark on his unexpected New York City adventure.

Macron Flashes His 'Jacked' Physique on Vacation in the South of France

Just before his traffic troubles and high-stakes speech at the United Nations General Assembly, the French president was soaking up the final rays of summer — enjoying leisure time in the South of France, where he was spotted taking in the sea breeze and basking in off-duty ease.

Macron showcased a lean, athletic build during a seaside stay at Fort de Brégançon, trading his formal wear for swim shorts and spending time jet skiing along the coast.

He and his wife, Brigitte Macron, spent time at the official presidential retreat in the Mediterranean, enjoying a low-key summer getaway on August 14, 2025.

Images from the trip showed Macron shirtless in black swim shorts as he stood aboard a boat, relaxed on a yacht, and rode a jet ski wearing a black-and-white life vest. The relaxed state of the president presented a casual, sunlit look that contrasted sharply with his typical formal appearance.

Online, the images stirred a mix of admiration, amusement, and skepticism. A post showing Macron shirtless and on the water drew the remark, "He's jacked." Another netizen weighed in with, "That's not very French like [sic]." Some questioned his transformation, with one comment simply reading, "Implants?"

Others leaned into humor and comparisons. "He has the physique of a 1950s Hollywood actor," one commenter on Threads wrote, while another observed, "He the only president if not in last 200 years to have abs… [sic]."

On Facebook, reactions ranged from playful national pride, as a commenter mused, "All 224 pounds of him! Our President's turn!" Another teased, "He skipped arm day … every time," while a final comment read, "Abs? It's a life jacket."

Situated along the Mediterranean coast, the presidential retreat has traditionally offered France's leaders a private haven.

Still, Macron's recent trip there drew widespread online attention, merging elements of politics, celebrity appeal, and seaside leisure.