How Will Trump Fit In At The World Economic Forum In Davos?
As Trump flew to Switzerland Wednesday night to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland many wondered how he would fit in.
It remains to be seen how the right-wing Donald Trump will fit in with the champagne sipping Switzerland at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
American presidents typically pass on the Davos diplomacy scene, an annual gathering at a Swiss Alpine resort which, for nearly 50 years, has drawn politicians, CEO’s and celebrities to discuss public policy and global cooperation.
While former American presidents have tended to pass on the event, Trump will be the star attraction this year.
Last year, former vice-president Joe Biden attended during the final days of the Obama administration and criticized Trump, calling on Europe and the United States to defend the “liberal” world order.
“We’ll be talking about investing in the United States again,” Trump said Tuesday, as he signed new tariffs that could draw criticism from the Davos crowd.
The last US President to attend the event was Bill Clinton in 2000. Barack Obama, George W. Bush and George H.W Bush all did not attend. Ronald Reagan appeared via video link.
In 2000, former president Clinton urged leaders throughout the world to consider workers and poorer nations when he said: “Don’t leave the little guys out.”
Trump will be in Switzerland on Thursday and Friday during which time he will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rwandan president Paul Kagame and Swiss President Alain Berset.
Politicans are not the only draw at Davos. Celebrities have also been part of the event during recent years. Past attendees have included the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Goldie Hawn and Bono.
Even though Trump has never before attended the event, his nationalist type rhetoric has dominated the conversations during recent years.
“I remember two years ago, every meeting at Davos, whatever it was about, would end with the theme that Trump could never be elected president,” Harvard University economist Kenneth Rogoff said. “For him, I suspect this is a victory lap.”