French President Emmanuel Macron was forced to wait on the street while New York City police officers diverted traffic for Donald Trump’s motorcade, sparking widespread attention and criticism. Viral footage captured Macron calling Trump to address the situation, with the French leader reportedly telling his American counterpart: “Guess what, I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.” The incident occurred as Macron attended the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

Macron’s motorcade was halted to accommodate Trump’s convoy, leaving the French president and his security detail stranded on the sidewalk. Social media users widely shared the footage, with some labeling it a “protocol breach” and an “insult.” Comments highlighted perceived power dynamics, with one user stating, “This is not an ‘awkward moment.’ This is a protocol breach and a serious insult,” while another wrote, “Macron learns who runs thing in America, even off duty.”

The incident unfolded amid declining public support for Macron in France, where his approval rating has dropped to 17%, the lowest since he took office in 2017. At the UN, Macron announced France’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, declaring, “the time for peace has come” and condemning the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump was set to address the General Assembly later that week, alongside regional leaders such as Jordan and Qatar.

France’s move to recognize Palestine followed similar actions by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, with additional countries including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino expected to follow suit. The US, however, did not participate in a recent France-Saudi Arabia summit focused on a two-state solution, alongside G7 nations Germany and Italy.