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French President Emmanuel Macron found himself in an unusual traffic jam on the streets of New York this week, courtesy of Donald Trump. New York police temporarily halted Macron’s motorcade to allow Trump’s convoy to pass. Sources say Macron, far from flustered, stepped out of his car and called Trump, jokingly asking him to “clear the way.”
The delay might have seemed minor, but with dozens of foreign delegations in town for the 80th UN General Assembly, every minute counts. Among those navigating New York’s diplomatic maze is President Nicos Christodoulides of Cyprus, who is meeting heads of state and government while attending a packed schedule of UN events.
New York police stopped Macron’s motorcade to let Trump pass
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 23, 2025
In New York, police stopped the French president’s motorcade as the road was closed for Trump’s passage. Macron got out of the car, called Trump, and jokingly asked him to “clear the way.” pic.twitter.com/qO170xUpy5
Meanwhile, Christodoulides attended the Opening Session of the UN General Assembly today, themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” where UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented his annual report. Later, he held bilateral meetings with Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, discussing regional developments, energy, security, and defense issues.
The day will conclude with Christodoulides and his wife, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, attending a diplomatic reception hosted by U.S. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, a glittering gathering of world leaders that underscores the high-stakes networking behind the UN meetings.
Back on the streets, Macron’s momentary standstill offered a glimpse into the lighter side of international diplomacy, a reminder that even presidents sometimes have to wait their turn, especially when a U.S. president is in town.
