The G7 summit brings world leaders together to tackle global crises, but it also gives viewers the opportunity to see the unexpected and human moments of our political leaders at their best. Some of these moments were captured on hot mic, and we get a rare glimpse of the personal dynamics between Presidents and Prime Ministers.From Giorgia Meloni’s viral “most famous couple on Instagram” banter with PM Modi to her confession about quitting smoking, and from Emmanuel Macron’s candid comments about Donald Trump to a cryptic reference to Greenland, here are the top hot mic moments from the summit.
Meloni told PM Modi, ‘We are the most famous couple on Instagram’
In one of the most talked-about moments, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the leaders gathered for the traditional family photo.“nice to meet you again!” Meloni said smilingly to PM Modi. When PM Modi was seen mentioning Instagram, Meloni said, ‘Yes, we are the most famous couple on Instagram.’The exchange revived the “Melody” phenomenon, a portmanteau of their surnames, which started when Meloni posted a selfie with PM Modi at COP28 in 2023. During PM Modi’s visit to Rome last month, he gifted Meloni a packet of Melody chocolates, a playful gesture of ecstasy. The video received over 100 million views within six hours.
Macron’s ‘difficult’ Trump talks
French President Emmanuel Macron was caught on hot mic telling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he had a “difficult discussion” with Trump ahead of crucial talks on Ukraine.“Yesterday we had a difficult discussion with President Trump,” Macron told Zelensky as they walked through the grounds of the Hotel Royal.Macron encouraged Zelensky to stay at the summit longer, but the Ukrainian leader said he needed to travel to Brussels. Macron then asked if Zelensky had arranged a bilateral meeting with Trump. When Zelensky said he had not done so, Macron replied: “Okay, I will arrange it”.
Melonie’s Smoking Confession
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed in a hot mic exchange with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that she has given up smoking as of May 1.Marz asked if he had smoked that morning. Meloni replied: “Since May 1st.” The accession was greeted enthusiastically by the leaders of Canada, Britain, Japan and the European Union. 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 the recent Canada-China agreement allowing some Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market at a lower tariff rate.Carney was heard saying, “Less than three percent of our market, 49,000 cars,” and moving horizontally, saying “There’s a limit, we’ve set the limit, a hard line.” He then told Trump, “I thought you’d really like it.” Trump responded: “It’s good. I like that”.
Trump’s cryptic Greenland comment
In another mysterious moment, Trump was caught talking on a hot mic with European Council President Antonio Costa: “You understand?” Trump said, before pausing and adding: “Greenland.” The beginning and end of the conversation were unclear, leaving the context unknown.European politicians have been enraged by Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, a territory of EU member Denmark.
Football, gifts and the forgotten watch
Football was a light subject. Someone shouted “Allez les bleus!” (Go France!) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Cape Verde’s surprise 0-0 draw against World Cup champions Spain: “Pretty remarkable, I must say”.Trump also drew attention to the UFC cage-match event held at the White House on June 15, his 80th birthday. Trump, who was sitting ringside, spoke glowingly about UFC CEO Dana White.Macron gifted each leader a custom bicycle to promote the Cycling World Championships.Merz gave Trump a German national team jersey with the words “Trump” and the number 47. Trump picked it up, smiled for the photo, then set it aside.After a working lunch, Carney noticed that Macron had left his watch on the table. “If he’s gone, give it to me, give it to me,” Trump joked.