President Donald Trump recently explained his “I’m the boss” comment at the G7 summit as humorous rather than authoritative. In a Friday interview with Axios, Trump remarked that the exchange was meant to be funny and cute.
The comment had drawn attention at the summit in France, where leaders from major Western economies gathered to address global security and economic coordination. Trump’s explanation provides his first detailed account of the incident, amidst broader rhetoric highlighting his administration’s influence on the international stage.
“I was just being funny,” Trump stated to Axios’ Marc Caputo, emphasizing it wasn’t a literal assertion of authority. He noted the unusual seating arrangement at the meeting, with a long table set for 30 people, though only seven leaders were present.
Trump recalled, “I walked in and saw all these heads of countries, and I said, ‘I’m the boss and you remember.’ It was just done as a joke.”
When asked how many leaders might have believed he was the boss, Trump answered, “All of them.” He expressed surprise at the global spread of the story, reiterating it was intended as a humorous remark.
Trump Emphasizes Power and Dominance
During the interview, Trump characterized the summit in terms of control and influence. Claiming his administration is currently very powerful, Trump described his second term as more robust than the first. He deemed the summit highly successful from his standpoint, noting, “We got what I wanted,” and labeling it a “very dominant G7.” This reflects a pattern of Trump’s foreign policy portrayal in terms of strength, especially given recent tensions with Iran.
Controversies Following G7 Summit
Trump’s “I’m the boss” remark was not the only point of friction at the summit. A dispute also arose between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. On Friday, Italy’s foreign minister canceled a planned U.S. visit after Trump alleged Meloni “begged” him for a photo during the event.
“She wanted a picture with me so badly,” Trump told Italy’s La7 broadcaster. “I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.” Meloni responded on social media, stating she was “stunned” and asserting his claim was fabricated, adding, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump reaffirmed his statement that Meloni wanted the picture. “She wasn’t there for us,” said Trump, referencing the Strait of Hormuz situation following attacks by Israel and the U.S. earlier this year.