The G7 summit brings together world leaders to address global crises, but it also gives spectators the best look at the unguarded moments of humanity experienced by our political leaders. Some of these moments were captured on hot mics, and they offer us a rare glimpse into the private dynamics between presidents and prime ministers.From Giorgia Meloni’s ‘hottest Instagram couple’ joke with PM Modi to her admission to quitting smoking, and from Emmanuel Macron’s candid statements 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 popular couple on Instagram’
In one of the most talked-about moments, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the leaders gathered for the traditional family photo.“Nice to meet you again!” Meloni told PM Modi with a smile. When PM Modi was seen mentioning Instagram, Meloni said: “Yes, we are the most popular couple on Instagram.”The exchange revived the ‘Melody’ phenomenon, a combination of their nicknames, which started when Meloni posted a selfie with PM Modi at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in 2023. During PM Modi’s visit to Rome last month, he presented Meloni with a box of Melody chocolates, a playful reference to the craze.
The video exceeded 100 million views within six hours.
Macron’s difficult talks with Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron was captured on hot mic telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 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 Zelensky as they walked through the grounds of the Royal Hotel.Macron encouraged Zelensky to stay longer at the summit, but the Ukrainian leader said he needed to travel to Brussels.
Macron then asked whether Zelensky had arranged a bilateral meeting with Trump. When Zelensky said he had not done so, Macron replied: “Okay, I will arrange that.”
Meloni admits to smoking
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed that she had quit smoking since May 1, in a heated conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
I asked Mears if she had smoked that morning. “Since May 1,” Melonie replied. The acceptance was met with warm congratulations from the leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and the European Union.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney even asked: “Do you have a patch?”
Carney and Trump discuss Chinese electric vehicles
A hot mic caught Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney leaning in to talk to Trump about a recent Canada-China agreement that allows some Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market at a lower tariff rate.
“Less than three percent of our market, 49,000 cars,” Carney was heard saying, moving horizontally as he said, “There’s a cap. We’ve set a cap, a hard line.”
Then he told Trump: “I thought you’d really like that.” Trump responded: “That’s good. I like that.”
Trump’s ambiguous comment on Greenland
In a more ambiguous moment, Trump was captured on hot mic talking to European Council President Antonio Costa: “Do you understand?” “Greenland,” Trump said before pausing and adding: “Greenland.” The beginning and end of the conversation were unclear, leaving the context unknown.European politicians were angered by Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, a territory belonging to Denmark, a member of the European Union.
Football, gifts and a forgotten watch
Football was a lighter subject. Someone shouted “Allez les Bleus!” (Go France!). British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Cape Verde’s shock 0-0 draw with World Cup champions Spain: “I have to say it’s absolutely fantastic.”Trump also drew attention to a UFC cage match event he hosted at the White House on his 80th birthday, on June 15. Trump, who sat ringside, spoke glowingly about Dana White, the CEO of the UFC.Macron gifted each leader with a custom bike to promote the cycling world championships.Merz gave Trump a German national team shirt with the word “Trump” and the number 47 on it. Trump picked it up and smiled to take pictures, then put it aside.After a working lunch, Carney noticed that Macron had left his watch on the table. “Give it to me if he’s gone, give it to me,” Trump joked.