Trump’s Traffic Rules Throw New York into Chaos, Delaying Ishiba, Macron at UN Assembly

The traffic restrictions unexpectedly affected some surprising individuals

On September 23, the 80th United Nations General Assembly General Debate began at the UN headquarters in New York.

Each year, the speeches are attended by heads of state from the 193 UN member countries, prompting large-scale traffic restrictions around major areas including the UN headquarters, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and luxury hotels in central Manhattan. Residents once again faced UN Week with a mix of resignation and inconvenience.

Despite widespread public notices urging people to avoid driving or to use alternate routes, traffic jams occurred across the city. Near the UN headquarters, a special lane marked “U.N. Way” was created with pylons, reserved for motorcades and emergency vehicles.

On the night of September 22, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at a heliport on Wall Street for the General Assembly, entering New York about two hours later than planned and eventually reaching Trump Tower.

Trump’s delay had a domino effect on other leaders’ travel. French President Emmanuel Macron, for instance, became caught in the traffic restrictions on his way from a UN meeting to the French consulate. After stopping his motorcade a few minutes from the UN headquarters, Macron got out and tried to negotiate directly with police but could not pass. He even called Trump to explain that his motorcade was held up by the president’s traffic restrictions. Ultimately, Macron walked for about 30 minutes, accompanied by security and aides, to reach the consulate.

Macron was not the only leader affected. On September 23, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also had to wait about 30 minutes while moving on foot from the UN headquarters.

Unexpectedly, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was also caught in the restrictions. He was en route by motorcade to a Japanese cuisine event at a restaurant in New York. Although the restaurant was only about a 10-minute walk from the blocked location, Ishiba’s motorcade reportedly remained in the car. Once the restrictions were lifted, the Japanese motorcade sped to the destination, clearing civilian cars along the way. U.S. Secret Service protocol requires such motorcades to move non-stop whenever possible.

Even White House Chief Photographer Daniel Troock was delayed when trying to reach a reception on foot, negotiating with police unsuccessfully until finally escorted through by Secret Service agents.

The strict regulations also led to tense moments with the public. Some impatient pedestrians confronted officers, only to be told: “This is New York in September! Give it up!”

The incident highlights the extraordinary security measures and traffic disruptions that accompany the UN General Assembly each year.

Trouble at the Venue Escalates Criticism and Frustration

On the same day, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attended the reception hosted by President Trump and First Lady Melania, which invited leaders from various countries. He later returned to the UN headquarters to deliver Japan’s General Debate speech.

It is customary for Japan’s speech to be scheduled significantly later than the opening ceremony—often in the evening of the first day or on the second day—when audiences are smaller. Although Japan could swap slots with friendly nations, it appears that no such adjustments were made this time.

Each speaker in the General Debate is allotted 15 minutes, but President Trump exceeded this by speaking for a full hour after the opening ceremony, delivering a speech that ranged from criticism of the UN to other countries, as well as praise of the United States.

Additional incidents at the UN further escalated criticism and frustration. Upon arrival at the headquarters, the lobby escalator suddenly stopped working, and the teleprompter displaying the speech malfunctioned, creating further complications.

Historically, the longest UN speech was delivered by Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who spoke for 4 hours and 29 minutes in 1960. In recent years, long speeches have also occurred; the longest was Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2009, who spoke for 1 hour and 36 minutes. Extended speeches like these can affect the schedule and audience attention for subsequent speakers.

Prime Minister Ishiba completed his speech and press conference and returned to Japan on the morning of September 24. President Trump, meanwhile, left New York around 10 p.m. on September 23 after the reception, returning to Washington. During his first UN General Assembly in 2017, Trump stayed five nights, and in subsequent years typically stayed four to five nights.

This time, his schedule was highly unusual—just one night—allowing him to meet selected leaders, deliver criticisms of the UN, and return to Washington promptly. How President Trump will approach future UN General Assembly attendances remains a matter of interest.