EVIAN, France (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump injected humor and authority into the final day of the G7 summit Wednesday, telling fellow leaders “I’m the boss” as he entered the morning session hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The remark, delivered as other leaders were already seated, drew laughter in the room. Macron responded warmly, greeting Trump with “How are you?” before the U.S. leader took his place.
Trump’s presence has dominated the three day gathering in the spa town of Evian on Lake Geneva. Fresh from clinching an accord to end the war with Iran and celebrating his 80th birthday, he remained at the summit until its conclusion a contrast to the previous G7 in Canada, where he left early and refused to sign the communique. This time, French officials expressed relief that Trump endorsed the joint statement.
In an unusual gesture, Macron invited Trump to dinner at the Palace of Versailles after the summit. Keen to avoid perceptions of deference, Macron emphasized that the evening would not be a “gala” dinner, but rather a symbolic opportunity to reinforce dialogue between Paris and Washington.
The G7, which brings together the world’s leading industrialized nations, has often struggled to project unity amid disagreements over trade, climate change, and security. Trump’s assertive style and unpredictable decisions have added to the challenges, but his participation in the communique is seen as a modest success for Macron’s chairmanship.
Observers say the summit reflects the delicate balance of managing relations with Washington while addressing global issues ranging from Middle East stability to economic cooperation. Trump’s declaration of being “the boss” underscores his tendency to set the tone in international forums, while Macron’s invitation to Versailles highlights France’s effort to maintain cordial ties without appearing submissive.
The dinner is expected to be closely watched as a symbolic moment in U.S.-French relations, underscoring both the importance of keeping dialogue open and the challenges of navigating diplomacy with a leader who often defies convention
