Image credit: AP
The G7 summit brings together world leaders to tackle global crises, but it also gives spectators the best look into unguarded and human moments of our political leaders. Some of these moments were caught on the hot mics, and offer us a rare glimpse into the private dynamics between presidents and prime ministers.From Giorgia Meloni’s viral “most famous couple on Instagram” joke with PM Modi to her confession about quitting smoking, and from Emmanuel Macron’s candid remarks about Donald Trump, to a cryptic reference to Greenland, here are the key hot mic moments from the summit.
Meloni to PM Modi: ‘We are the most famous couple on Instagram’
In one of the most talked-about moments, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni crossed paths with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaders gathered for the traditional family photograph .”Nice to meet you again!” Meloni told PM Modi with a smile. When PM Modi appeared to mention Instagram, Meloni said: “Yes, we are the most famous couple on Instagram” .The exchange revived the “Melodi” phenomenon, a blend of their surnames, that began when Meloni posted a selfie with PM Modi at COP28 in 2023. During PM Modi’s visit to Rome last month, he presented Meloni with a packet of Melody chocolates, a playful nod to the craze. The video crossed 100 million views within six hours.
Macron’s ‘difficult’ Trump talks
French President Emmanuel Macron was caught on a hot mic telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he had a “difficult discussion” with Trump ahead of key talks on Ukraine .”Yesterday we had a difficult discussion with President Trump,” Macron told Zelenskyy as they walked through the grounds of the Hotel Royal .Macron encouraged Zelenskyy to stay longer at the summit, but the Ukrainian leader said he needed to travel to Brussels. Macron then asked if Zelenskyy had a bilateral meeting with Trump arranged. When Zelenskyy said he had not, Macron replied: “Okay, I will arrange that”.
Meloni’s smoking confession
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed she had quit smoking since May 1 in a hot mic exchange with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz . Merz asked whether she had smoked that morning. Meloni responded: “Since the first of May.” The admission drew enthusiastic congratulations from leaders of Canada, the UK, Japan and the EU. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney even asked: “Do you have a patch?”.
Carney and Trump discuss Chinese EVs
A hot microphone caught Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney leaning in to talk to Trump about a recent Canada-China agreement allowing some Chinese electric vehicles into the Canadian market at a lower tariff rate. Carney was heard saying “less than three per cent of our market, 49,000 cars,” and making a horizontal motion while saying “there’s a cap, we capped, a hard line.” He then told Trump: “I thought you’d actually like that.” Trump responded: “That’s good. I like that”.
Trump’s cryptic Greenland comment
In a more mysterious moment, Trump was caught on a hot mic speaking with European Council President António Costa: “You understand?” Trump said before pausing and adding: “Greenland” . The start and end of the conversation were unclear, leaving context unknown.European politicians have been infuriated by Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, a territory of EU-member Denmark.
Football, gifts and the forgotten watch
Football was a lighter topic. Someone shouted “Allez les Bleus!” (Go France! ). British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Cape Verde’s surprising 0-0 draw against World Cup champion Spain: “Quite remarkable, I have to say”.Trump also brought attention to the UFC cage-match event he hosted at the White House on his 80th birthday, June 15. Trump, who sat ringside, spoke glowingly about Dana White, the CEO of UFC.Macron gifted each leader a custom bicycle to promote the Cycling World Championships.Merz gave Trump a German national team jersey with “Trump” and the number 47. Trump raised it, smiled for photos, then set it aside.After a working lunch, Carney noticed Macron had left his watch on the table. Trump joked: “Give me it if he left, gimme”. Go to Source
