Since his inauguration, Trump has signed several executive orders aimed at eliminating DEI-focused policies promoted by the WEF.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump will address the world’s most powerful and wealthiest people on Thursday at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. His speech will be delivered via videoconference.
At last year’s Davos summit, Trump’s record-breaking primary win in Iowa had raised concerns among some business and political leaders, especially in Europe. The possibility of his return to the White House was a major topic of discussion throughout the event.
Now that Trump is back in office, global elites in Davos will likely pay close attention to the new U.S. president’s message.
Company executives, bankers, and policymakers have gathered in the Alpine ski village for the 55th annual WEF meeting from Jan. 20 to 24.
Trump has openly criticized the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives championed by the WEF.
Since his inauguration, he has signed several executive orders aimed at eliminating DEI-focused policies and programs within the federal government. He issued a memo directing that all federal employees working on DEI initiatives be put on paid leave.
Additionally, he ordered the suspension of federal funding to any schools that mandate DEI provisions or hire contractors who engage in such practices.
During his term, Trump traveled to Davos twice, in 2018 and 2020, to attend the WEF meetings. In his keynote address in 2020, he touted his protectionist trade policies and the United States’ position as the world’s largest oil and gas producer.
He also expressed concerns about NATO’s heavy dependence on the United States, urging member nations to increase their contributions to defense spending.
Klaus Schwab, a German economist and professor, established the WEF in 1971 with the aim of advancing stakeholder capitalism, which advocates that corporations serve the interests of all their stakeholders rather than solely focusing on shareholders.
Over the years, the WEF has evolved into a globally recognized forum for dialogue. It tackles what it identifies as urgent global challenges—such as the climate crisis, poverty, wealth inequality, food security, and pandemics—and brings together the public and private sectors.
In recent years, however, the forum has increasingly faced criticism, with questions raised regarding the usefulness of its debates in resolving the struggles of regular people.
The climate remains a key focus at Davos, but the use of private jets by attendees has led to accusations of hypocrisy. Further, inviting individuals with questionable human rights records, such as Chinese Communist Party leaders, has raised concerns about the forum’s credibility.
By Emel Akan
