Several interesting and unexpected moments were captured on open microphones during the G7 summit in France, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s decision to quit smoking, US President Donald Trump’s mysterious mention of Greenland, French President Emmanuel Macron’s lost watch, and a brief encounter between ‘Melodi’ (Meloni and Modi).
While the leaders spent most of the summit discussing war, trade disputes, and global security challenges, a 27-minute hot-mic recording offered a unique glimpse into their informal conversations—covering everything from jokes and football to birthday gifts.
Meloni reveals she has quit smoking
The most talked-about exchange involved Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During an informal chat, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Meloni if she had smoked a cigarette that morning. To the surprise of those around her, Meloni revealed that she had quit smoking back on May 1st.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other leaders congratulated her, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jokingly asked if she was using a nicotine patch. Carney gestured towards her arm, prompting Meloni to happily raise her hands.
A passion for football
Despite the summit’s focus on major geopolitical issues, football came up repeatedly in conversation.
With the US, Canada, and Mexico set to host the FIFA World Cup, the leaders discussed recent football results over lunch while enjoying the view of Lake Geneva. A voice was heard cheering for the French national team: “Allez les Bleus!”
Another leader praised Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League success, while Starmer spoke about Cape Verde’s stunning 0-0 draw against world champions Spain. “Pretty impressive, I have to say,” Starmer remarked.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump steered the conversation toward mixed martial arts and spoke enthusiastically about UFC President Dana White, having recently hosted a UFC event at the White House to celebrate his 80th birthday.
While speaking to European Council President Antonio Costa, Trump was heard saying into the microphone, “You understand?” After a brief pause, he added a single word: “Greenland.”
The rest of the conversation was inaudible. This remark immediately drew attention because Trump had long harbored a desire to purchase Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. His previous comments on the matter had upset several European leaders. It remained unclear exactly what Trump meant during the conversation.
Macron’s Left-Behind Watch
An amusing moment occurred before a working lunch when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noticed that French President Emmanuel Macron had left his watch behind.
Carney jokingly remarked, “He’s left his watch here. We’ve got his watch.”
Trump immediately chimed in, saying, “If he left it, give it to me, give it to me,” prompting laughter among those present.
Gifts for Trump
Several diplomatic gifts were also exchanged at the summit. Macron presented a special bicycle to each G7 leader to promote the Cycling World Championships, which France is set to host in the Alps next year. This gift drew attention because Trump has often joked about not engaging in any exercise other than golf.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also presented Trump with a German national football team jersey bearing his name and the number 47—signifying his current term as the 47th U.S. President.
Trump posed for photographers with the shirt, while Merz later posted a photo online with the caption: “Finally, we are on the same team.”
The Return of the ‘Melodi’ Moment
Another ‘hot-mic’ moment occurred between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni prior to the traditional ‘family photo.’ The two leaders greeted each other warmly, reigniting the famous “Melodi” trend on social media. Meloni told PM Modi, “It’s good to see you again!”
Alluding to their online popularity, PM Modi mentioned Instagram during the brief exchange.
The ‘hot-mic’ recording—which reportedly lasted 27 minutes on the second day of the conference—captured the leaders discussing everything from sleep deprivation and the weather to sports and cigarettes.