As Donald Trump and the leaders of European countries finished their "family photo", the group was preparing to begin the summit in earnest.

Standing around before the start of the roundtable meeting President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron were overheard by a microphone speaking about the possible upcoming trilateral between US, Russia and Ukraine.

After some pleasantries between Trump and his French counterpart while standing around the East Room of the White House, Trump told Macron "I think he wants to make a deal," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I think he wants to make a deal with me. Do you understand that? As crazy as it sounds" Trump said, possibly not realising the microphones in the room.

"Just, sit down. Sit down, everybody. I think we'll let the press come in for a minute." 

Later, the leaders marvelled at how Trump dealt with the many gathered media.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seated next to Trump, leaned over to thank him and laughed, saying: “I never want to speak with my press.”