Trump's Greenland Comment, Macron's Missing Watch: G7 Summit Side Conversations Spark Buzz

World leaders gathered in France's Evian-les-Bains for the G7 Summit this week to address pressing global issues, from ongoing conflicts to the future of the world economy. Yet away from scripted statements and closed-door negotiations, hot microphones captured a far more candid side of the gathering, with the sidelines at the G7 Summit producing moments that quickly overshadowed the official agenda.

Meloni's Smoke-Free Confession Wins the Room Over

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz casually asked Giorgia Meloni whether she had smoked that morning. Meloni revealed she had quit since the first of May, prompting applause from Mark Carney, Keir Starmer, and Sanae Takaichi. Carney jokingly asked if she had a patch, pointing to his arm, drawing laughter from the group.

World Cup Buzz Takes Over the Lunch Table

With the FIFA World Cup underway across the US, Canada, and Mexico, leaders slipped into football talk over lunch by Lake Geneva. Voices cheered on France's national team, while Starmer praised Cape Verde's surprise draw against Spain.

Donald Trump, fresh off a White House UFC event for his 80th birthday, spoke enthusiastically about UFC president Dana White instead, as per India Today.

A Single Word From Trump Sparks Greenland Speculation

A brief exchange between Trump and European Council President António Costa drew instant attention. Based on India Today, Trump was heard asking, "You understand?" before pausing and adding, "Greenland." The rest of the conversation was inaudible, but the remark revived old tensions tied to his long-standing interest in Danish territory.

Macron's Watch Goes Walkabout

Carney noticed that Emmanuel Macron had left his watch behind during a working lunch and jokingly announced he had it in hand. Trump quickly chimed in, asking for the watch himself, prompting laughter from those nearby at the G7 Summit table over the playful exchange.

A Bicycle Lands in Trump's Hands, Awkwardly

Macron gifted each leader a personalized bicycle to promote France's upcoming Cycling World Championships. The gesture raised eyebrows when it reached Trump, long known for avoiding exercise beyond golf and joking about disliking cycling. No microphone was close enough to capture his reaction this time.

Merz's Jersey Gift Gets a Big Smile

Merz handed Trump a German football jersey bearing his name and the number 47, a nod to his term as the 47th US President. Trump smiled, held it up for photographers, and posed briefly. Merz later posted the photo online, captioned, "After all, we're on the same team."

Modi and Meloni's Melodi Moment Goes Viral Again

Giorgia Meloni and PM Narendra Modi shared another warm exchange ahead of the family photograph. After Modi referenced their Instagram fame, Meloni played along, declaring them the most famous duo on the platform, reviving the viral Melodi trend that has followed the two leaders for years.

Carney Slips In a Quiet Word on EVs

Carney and Trump were also heard discussing a deal involving Chinese EV imports into Canada, which Carney said would stay under three per cent of the market. Trump's reply was brief and approving, keeping with his earlier positive reaction to the Canada-China EV deal.

Beneath the laughter and light banter, these sidelines at the G7 Summit offered something formal sessions rarely do: a glimpse of world leaders as people navigating friendships, rivalries, and small everyday moments amid the weight of global decision-making.

(With inputs from yMedia)