The G7 Summit held in Évian, France, captured the world’s attention, with behind-the-scenes moments quickly going viral. Despite a packed agenda and tight security measures put in place for the arrival of the world’s most powerful economic leaders, the summit appeared to unfold in a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. More than a few leaders managed to steal the show, while awkward moments and lighthearted antics were never far from the spotlight.
G7 Summit highlights: Trump’s viral handshake with Brigitte and the gift from Merz
The arrival of US President Donald Trump in the French city on the afternoon of Monday, June 15, did not go unnoticed. Cameras captured the seemingly endless handshake between the American president and Brigitte Macron — one he simply refused to let go of. The 13-second handshake went viral, with lip-reading experts rushing to decode the exchange. According to those experts, Trump called her “my sweet,” while she wished him a belated happy 80th birthday.
A very long handshake between Trump and Brigitte Macron. pic.twitter.com/uabb6Rpug0
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 15, 2026
Trump also received a gift from Friedrich Merz. The German Chancellor presented him with a German national soccer jersey bearing his name and the number 47 — a nod to his status as the 47th President of the United States.
Happy belated 80th birthday, @POTUS. After all, we’re on the same team. pic.twitter.com/rDmhnAqNM3
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) June 16, 2026
Before the summit got underway, microphones picked up Zelensky commenting on the fact that Trump was arriving by helicopter to Évian. As is standard security protocol, three identical helicopters flew simultaneously — and Trump was aboard one of them.
Zelensky’s warm welcome and Macron’s… musical choices
Zelensky, for his part, received a very warm welcome from Macron. The two men exchanged a hearty handshake and walked together toward the entrance of the building, where they posed for photos without making any statements to the press.
Ласкаво просимо, @ZelenskyyUa. pic.twitter.com/53kMixfHBB
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 16, 2026
🇫🇷🇺🇦 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Évian, France, for the G7 summit
He was greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron upon arrival.
The G7 leaders, together with Zelensky, will take part in a working meeting on “ensuring peace and security for Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/Kd2f780DYL
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 16, 2026
Particular buzz was generated by Emmanuel Macron’s musical choices in the Instagram reels he posted welcoming each leader. It turns out the French president has a secret inner DJ — he handpicked a different song for every world leader he greeted in the French city.
Trump’s arrival set to “Love is a Long Road” by Tom Petty
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