Mr. Trump will meet with global CEOs in Davos.
US President Donald Trump is expected to hold a key meeting with leading global business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21st. The White House occupant's presence will overshadow this year's annual World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, amidst much debate surrounding new US trade and foreign policies.
According to sources close to the matter who spoke to Reuters, President Donald Trump will attend a reception for business leaders following his special speech at the WEF on January 21.
Guests included CEOs from major corporations in the financial services, cryptocurrency, and strategic consulting sectors. A source confirmed that invitations were sent directly from the White House and that attendance was not limited to US businesses but included global CEOs.
Anthony Scaramucci, an investor and former communications director for Trump during his first term, confirmed the event is taking place but said he will not attend to avoid unnecessary attention.
Accompanying President Trump on this trip to the Davos ski resort were several high-ranking US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
This year's WEF agenda has been largely dominated by the strong policy moves of the US President, particularly the recent request for the US to purchase Greenland.
Tensions escalated after Trump announced he would impose additional tariffs on eight European countries until the US was allowed to purchase the Arctic island. According to diplomatic sources, the Greenland issue was urgently added to the agenda of a meeting of national security advisors on the sidelines of the conference on January 19.
Responding to the risk of trade tensions, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned European governments against retaliatory action.
"I think that would be a very unwise move," Bessent told reporters on the sidelines of the WEF when asked about retaliatory trade measures from Europe. He also stressed that Europe should not doubt Trump's intentions regarding Greenland and that "people should trust the President's word."
Global business leaders are closely watching Trump's moves. Jenny Johnson, CEO of asset management firm Franklin Templeton, believes Trump's actions are negotiating tactics that, while potentially unpleasant, appear to serve American interests.
"We all know his style. It's: 'I'm going to walk out with a hammer, and then I'm going to negotiate with you,'" Johnson said in an interview with Reuters. However, she also acknowledged that Trump's instinct for defining America's long-term position was correct.
Besides the US delegation, China also sent a high-ranking representative to Davos, Vice Premier He Lifeng. He is expected to deliver a special speech on January 20th and will also host a reception for CEOs and founders of global companies.
Notably, sources also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, will travel to Davos and hold meetings with members of the US delegation.
The WEF organizers said this year's event attracted more than 3,000 delegates from over 130 countries, including 64 heads of state and government.
