The G7 summit in Évian, France, wrapped up with major international issues dominating the official agenda — yet it was the unscripted, off-protocol moments that truly captured the attention of photographers, journalists, and social media users alike. From Donald Trump‘s trademark one-liners to a candid exchange about Giorgia Meloni quitting smoking and a lively conversation about football, this year’s summit had a distinctly human side that drew smiles from world leaders. Many of these moments were caught on camera and quickly went viral, offering a refreshing contrast to the usual formal statements and diplomatic meetings.
G7: “The boss” and “the handsome man”
Donald Trump found himself at the center of several of the summit’s most talked-about moments. As a G7 working session was getting underway, the US president drew laughter when he declared: “I’m the boss.” The remark prompted awkward but amused smiles around the room before the discussion turned to international development aid.
A few hours earlier, during a meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trump sparked laughter again when he commented on the appearance of a journalist in the room. “What a handsome man — is he from your country?” he asked, then added: “He’s so good-looking. The people back in my country are so bad. Look at this handsome guy — I could put him in a movie right away.”
Trump kept the same tone when he turned his attention to the UAE president’s wealth. “When you’re that rich, you can afford to speak so quietly. When you’re that rich, you have so much confidence that you don’t need to raise your voice. It’s fantastic!”
“I’m the boss.” 🤣
— @POTUS arrives for a working session at the G7 summit in France pic.twitter.com/BvAamZo0sD
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 17, 2026
G7: Meloni’s coffee and football talk
Another lighthearted moment unfolded when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni walked into a morning session announcing: “I need a coffee.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz quipped back: “And a cigarette?” Meloni replied: “No, I’ve quit.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen immediately congratulated her, saying: “Well done.” The Italian PM revealed she had stopped smoking just one month ago, while European Council President António Costa noted he had been smoke-free for 21 years.
Football was never far from the conversation either, with the FIFA World Cup currently underway. Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump, and the Emir of Qatar discussed Paris Saint-Germain’s latest Champions League triumph. The Emir playfully teased Macron — a well-known Marseille supporter — saying: “He’s pretending to be happy, but deep down…” Macron responded with a smile: “No, I am happy — they’re a French club.”
The gifts that stole the show
Donald Trump left Évian with a particularly memorable gift in his luggage. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented him with a German national football team jersey bearing the name “Trump” and the number 47 — a nod to his status as the 47th President of the United States. Meanwhile, eyebrows were raised when a bicycle appeared during Emmanuel Macron’s meeting with the US president.
The explanation came later from UCI President David Lappartient, who revealed that each G7 leader had been gifted a personalized bicycle in their country’s colors and bearing their nation’s name, as part of the promotion of the 2027 UCI Road World Championships. And so, a summit focused on pressing global issues came to a close leaving behind not only critical decisions, but also a handful of lighter moments that gave the leaders’ interactions a distinctly different — and more human — tone.
Thank you to President @EmmanuelMacron for choosing to promote the @hautesavoie2027 UCI World Championships during the G7 summit being held in Evians-les-Bains, France.
All seven heads of state will receive a personalized bicycle. pic.twitter.com/G4wUrlngB1— David Lappartient (@DLappartient) June 15, 2026
