I’m the boss: Hot mics capture ‘weighty’ conversations at G7

AP

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France

The leaders of the world’s richest democracies are discussing some of the world’s biggest problems this week, but hot mics at the G7 summit also revealed conversations covering lighter topics: sports, cigarettes, the weather and something about Greenland.

TRUMP’S TRUMPET

US President Donald Trump strode in late to the final day of talks and proclaimed, “I’m the boss!” to counterparts seated around a large oval conference table waiting to begin a discussion on concerns that China is flooding export markets with subsidised products. The leaders laughed.

MELONI KICKS BUTT

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s smoking habits became the subject of a hot-mic moment. Asked by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz if she had already had a cigarette that morning, Meloni revealed she had not smoked “since the first of May”. Her decision to quit prompted enthusiastic congratulations from leaders of Canada, the UK Japan and the EU. Meloni raised her hands in celebration. Mean­while, Canadian PM Mark Carney had a question for her. “Do you have a patch?” Carney asked, grabbing his arm.

SPORTS TALK INCLUDES ‘ALLEZ LES BLEUS!’

With the World Cup underway in the US, Mexico and Canada, football became a topic. As leaders gathered for lunch, French President Emmanuel Macron and others weighed in. Someone shouted “Allez les bleus”, the cheer for the French team.  Trump turned attention to the UFC event hosted at the White House.

UK PM Keir Starmer praised Cape Verde’s surprise 0-0 draw against WC champion Spain. “Quite remarkable, I have to say,” he said.

Greenland reference

Trump was caught on microphone talking with European Council President António Costa. “You understand?” Trump said before pausing and looking squarely at Costa. “Greenland.” 

MACRON ‘LOSES time’ 

Trump added levity after Macron appeared to have left his watch behind when he departed the group’s working lunch. Carney drew attention to it, saying: “He’s left his watch here. We’ve got his watch.” “Give me it if he left, gimme,” Trump chimed in, drawing laughs.

Trump gets a jersey for his b’day & a bike

There were instances of gift-giving diplomacy. Macron gave all seven of his counterparts personalised bicycles to promote the Cycling World Championships scheduled for next year in the French Alps.