# Waymo's Presidential Motorcade Mishap

> A self-driving car blocks a road cleared for Trump's motorcade, exposing how poorly Waymos handle real-world disruptions.
- Title: Waymo's Presidential Motorcade Mishap · Futurism | Shortify
- Summary: A self-driving car blocks a road cleared for Trump's motorcade, exposing how poorly Waymos handle real-world disruptions. Autonomous vehicles struggle with…
- Keywords: waymo, autonomous vehicles, self-driving cars, presidential motorcade, dallas, police diversion, software limitations, robotaxi, washington dc expansion, traffic safety, science, technology
- Source: Futurism — https://futurism.com/advanced-transport/waymo-barges-path-presidential-motorcade
- Author: Frank Landymore
- Published: 2026-09-26T15:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: waymo, autonomous vehicles, self-driving cars, presidential motorcade, dallas, police diversion, software limitations, robotaxi, washington dc expansion, traffic safety, science, technology
## Waymo blocks presidential motorcade
Journalist Joe Miller's Waymo refused to obey police hand signals diverting traffic for Trump's motorcade in Dallas, freezing at an intersection while soft jazz played.

> I was 10 minutes into my first trip in a driverless car when I realized my vehicle was potentially obstructing the president of the United States.
## Police couldn't communicate with the car
Officers shouted commands at Miller to relay to the Waymo, but the car ignored them. When Miller pressed the support button, no one answered for several minutes.

> 'Tell the Waymo it needs to go to the right,' bellowed the officer who stood in front of me.
## Secret Service threatened to crush the car
A Secret Service agent told Miller the vehicle would be crushed if it didn't leave immediately. Miller exited the car, and it eventually crawled forward with hazard lights on.

> I need this vehicle to be out of here NOW, or it will be crushed.
## Waymo froze due to software limitations
Waymo later explained the car understood the police gestures but froze because the required maneuver crossed multiple lanes. It was programmed to wait for remote assistance instead of acting.
## Pattern of poor improvisation
This wasn't Waymo's first mishap. The cars have driven the wrong way down streets, hopped onto light rail tracks, and barged through police standoffs and crime scenes.
## Expansion to Washington DC poses risks
Waymo plans to expand to Washington DC, where impromptu VIP diversions are common. Miller warns the company should fine-tune motorcade navigation before deploying there.
## Key takeaway

Autonomous vehicles struggle with unexpected situations like police diversions, freezing instead of adapting, which poses real risks in high-stakes scenarios.