Meloni Quits Smoking, Trump Wants Greenland, Macron Loses Watch And ‘Melody’ Moment: G7’s Hot-Mic Moments
Meloni Quits Smoking, Trump Wants Greenland, Macron Loses Watch And ‘Melody’ Moment: G7’s Hot-Mic Moments Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 10:47 IST While
Meloni Quits Smoking, Trump Wants Greenland, Macron Loses Watch And ‘Melody’ Moment: G7’s Hot-Mic Moments Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 10:47 IST While leaders spent much of G7 summit discussing wars, trade disputes, hot-mic recording offered a rare glimpse into their informal conversations, revealing jokes and more. World leaders pose for a family photo at the G7 Summit. (Reuters) Italy PM Georgia Meloni’s decision to quit smoking, US President Donald Trump’s cryptic reference to Greenland, French President Emmanuel Macron’s misplaced watch and a brief “Melodi" reunion were among the unexpected moments caught on open microphones during the G7 Summit in France. While leaders spent much of the summit discussing wars, trade disputes and global security challenges, a 27-minute hot-mic recording offered a rare glimpse into their informal conversations, revealing jokes, football, birthday gifts and more. Meloni Reveals She Quit Smoking One of the most talked-about exchanges involved Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During an informal conversation, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Meloni whether she had already smoked a cigarette that morning. Meloni surprised those around her by revealing that she had quit smoking on May 1. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other leaders congratulated her, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jokingly asked whether she was using a nicotine patch.
Carney even grabbed his arm while making the gesture, prompting Meloni to raise her hands in celebration. Football Fever In G7 Despite the summit’s focus on major geopolitical issues, football repeatedly entered the conversation. With the FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, leaders discussed recent football results while gathering for lunch overlooking Lake Geneva. “Allez les bleus!" one voice was heard shouting in support of France’s national team. Another leader praised Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League success, while Starmer spoke about Cape Verde’s surprising 0-0 draw against world champions Spain. “Quite remarkable, I have to say," Starmer remarked. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, shifted the discussion towards mixed martial arts, speaking enthusiastically about UFC president Dana White after recently hosting a UFC event at the White House for his 80th birthday celebrations. Trump’s Cryptic Greenland Comment One brief exchange quickly attracted attention. While speaking with European Council President António Costa, Trump was caught on microphone saying, “You understand?" After a pause, he added a single word: “Greenland." The remainder of the conversation could not be heard. The remark immediately sparked interest because of Trump’s long-standing desire to acquire Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory. His past comments on the issue have angered several European leaders.
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