U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he holds a news conference at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
(Davos, Switzerland) – President Donald Trump is set to dominate the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, convening a high-powered, invitation-only meeting with global CEOs as U.S. policy, and Trump himself, take center stage.
According to Reuters, business leaders from finance, crypto, consulting, and major multinational firms have been invited to a White House–organized reception in Trump’s honor following his special address at Davos on Wednesday. One executive reportedly had the event listed simply as a “reception in honour of President Donald J. Trump.”
Trump’s arrival has already upended the Davos agenda, with trade, tariffs, and his aggressive push for the U.S. to acquire Greenland eclipsing other global priorities. National security advisers from multiple countries are now meeting on the sidelines, with Greenland suddenly added to the agenda after Trump threatened extra tariffs on European nations resisting the move.
More than 3,000 delegates from 130 countries, including 64 heads of state, are attending Davos this year – but Trump’s presence has turned the forum into a de facto referendum on U.S. power.
Even Russia and China are maneuvering: a special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected in Davos, while China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng is delivering a keynote and hosting his own CEO reception.
