During the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies focused on addressing global issues. However, open microphones captured their lighter, off-topic banter. The discussions touched on everyday matters like sports, the weather, and even the topic of Greenland.
‘I’m the Boss!’
Arriving late to the summit’s final day, U.S. President Donald Trump declared, ‘I’m the boss!’ Laughter from other leaders filled the room as they prepared to discuss China’s influence on export markets with subsidized goods.
Meloni Quits Smoking
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s decision to quit smoking emerged in a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. When asked if she had smoked a cigarette that morning, Meloni responded she hadn’t since May 1. Leaders from Canada, the UK, Japan, and the EU congratulated her on this achievement. In a playful moment, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney inquired if Meloni used a nicotine patch.
Talking Sports
With the World Cup staged in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, soccer became a natural conversation piece among leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron and others expressed enthusiasm, with cheers of ‘Allez les bleus!’ acknowledging France’s team. Discussions also included Paris-Saint Germain’s recent Champions League win. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump mentioned hosting a UFC event at the White House, celebrating Dana White, the UFC CEO. In another exchange, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked on Cape Verde’s unexpected 0-0 draw against World Cup champion Spain.
Greenland Mentioned Cryptically
A mysterious conversation involved Trump talking with European Council President António Costa. Trump made an enigmatic reference to ‘Greenland,’ leaving the beginning and end of the exchange unclear. Recent tensions had arisen from Trump’s past comments about acquiring Greenland from Denmark.
Macron’s Misplaced Watch
Adding humor to the summit, Macron seemed to have forgotten his watch after a working lunch. Mark Carney pointed it out, prompting Trump to joke, ‘Give me it if he left, gimme,’ leading to laughter among attendees.
Gifts and Diplomacy
The summit featured some instances of diplomatic gift-giving. Macron gifted personalized bicycles to each leader, promoting the upcoming Cycling World Championships in the French Alps. Although Trump’s reaction wasn’t captured, it’s known he typically shuns exercises besides golf. Merz, who recently exchanged words with Trump over the Iran conflict, presented him with a German national team soccer jersey featuring Trump’s name and the number 47. Trump lifted it for a photo, smiling, before setting it aside. Merz shared the gesture on social media, captioning, ‘After all, we’re on the same team.’
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