Italy PM Georgia Meloni’s decision to quit smoking, US President Donald Trump’s cryptic reference to Greenland, French President Emmanuel Macron’s misplaced watch and a brief “Melodi” reunion were among
the unexpected moments caught on open microphones during the G7 Summit in France.
While leaders spent much of the summit discussing wars, trade disputes and global security challenges, a 27-minute hot-mic recording offered a rare glimpse into their informal conversations, revealing jokes, football, birthday gifts and more.
Meloni Reveals She Quit Smoking
One of the most talked-about exchanges involved Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During an informal conversation, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Meloni whether she had already smoked a cigarette that morning. Meloni surprised those around her by revealing that she had quit smoking on May 1.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other leaders congratulated her, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jokingly asked whether she was using a nicotine patch. Carney even grabbed his arm while making the gesture, prompting Meloni to raise her hands in celebration.
Football Fever In G7
Despite the summit’s focus on major geopolitical issues, football repeatedly entered the conversation.
With the FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, leaders discussed recent football results while gathering for lunch overlooking Lake Geneva. “Allez les bleus!” one voice was heard shouting in support of France’s national team.
Another leader praised Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League success, while Starmer spoke about Cape Verde’s surprising 0-0 draw against world champions Spain. “Quite remarkable, I have to say,” Starmer remarked.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, shifted the discussion towards mixed martial arts, speaking enthusiastically about UFC president Dana White after recently hosting a UFC event at the White House for his 80th birthday celebrations.
Trump’s Cryptic Greenland Comment
One brief exchange quickly attracted attention.
While speaking with European Council President António Costa, Trump was caught on microphone saying, “You understand?” After a pause, he added a single word: “Greenland.”
The remainder of the conversation could not be heard.
The remark immediately sparked interest because of Trump’s long-standing desire to acquire Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory. His past comments on the issue have angered several European leaders. What exactly Trump meant during the exchange remains unclear.
Macron’s Missing Watch
A lighter moment emerged before a working lunch when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noticed that French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to have left his watch behind.
“He’s left his watch here. We’ve got his watch,” Carney joked.
Trump immediately joined in. “Give me it if he left, gimme,” he said, prompting laughter among those present.
Gifts for Trump
The summit also featured several diplomatic gifts. Macron presented each G7 leader with a personalised bicycle to promote the Cycling World Championships that France will host in the Alps next year. The gift drew attention because Trump has often joked about avoiding exercise other than golf.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also presented Trump with a German national football team jersey bearing Trump’s name and the number 47, referring to his current term as the 47th US President.
Trump posed with the shirt for photographers, while Merz later posted a picture online with the caption: “After all, we’re on the same team.”
‘Melodi’ Moment Returns
Another hot-mic moment featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni before the traditional family photograph. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings, reviving the popular “Melodi” social media trend. “Nice to meet you again!” Meloni told PM Modi.
Appearing to reference their online popularity, PM Modi mentioned Instagram during the brief conversation.
The hot-mic recordings, which reportedly ran for 27 minutes on the second day of the summit, captured leaders discussing everything from sleep deprivation and weather to sports and cigarettes.
