Last Updated:
A hot mic at a multilateral meeting on the Russia-Ukraine conflict caught candid exchanges, including jokes between US President Trump and Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni
In the widely shared clip, Trump can be heard chatting with Meloni before the meeting began. (Reuters)
Global summits often produce not only serious diplomatic negotiations but also light-hearted, unscripted moments that make headlines. Something similar unfolded at the White House during a multilateral meeting on the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Monday, August 18, where a hot mic captured candid exchanges among world leaders.
The meeting, which focused on efforts to push for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, saw leaders from across Europe gather alongside US President Donald Trump. Among them was Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose off-the-cuff conversation with Trump quickly went viral after being caught on an open microphone.
Recommended Stories
In the widely shared clip, Trump can be heard chatting with Meloni before the meeting began. While making their way to their seats, the two leaders were seen exchanging jokes about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s height. “In my opinion, Merz is very tall,” Meloni remarked, to which Trump quickly agreed. Meloni then added with a laugh, “I don’t want to stand with him, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is fine for me,” referring to the Ukrainian President.
The lighthearted gossip drew amused reactions online, where users noted how even at high-stakes summits, leaders indulge in casual banter.
But the microphones also picked up a more consequential exchange. Trump, speaking softly to French President Emmanuel Macron, suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal for me… as crazy as it sounds.” He further claimed that he could personally call Putin to arrange a trilateral meeting.
The offhand remarks, never intended for public ears, have fuelled debate over Trump’s approach to diplomacy and his claims of being able to sway Russia.
Loading comments…
Read More
