Hot mic at G7 summit in France catches leaders chatting
The recording also caught Giorgia Meloni saying she quit smoking a month ago and Friedrich Merz giving Donald Trump a Germany jersey numbered 47.
Informal conversations among world leaders were picked up by a microphone at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on 15-17 June 2026. Between sessions focused on geopolitical issues, the recording caught Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saying she had quit smoking a month ago. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also gave Donald Trump a Germany national team jersey bearing Trump's name and the number 47, a reference to the U.S. president's 47th term. The same source highlighted casual talk about soccer during the 2026 World Cup and jokes about an Emmanuel Macron watch being left behind. The moments drew attention after the formal G7 meetings ended.