Some Republicans Are Set to Attend the Elite Swiss Globalist WEF Conference

A World Economic Forum (WEF) sign is seen at the Davos Congress Centre during the organization’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on May 23, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)

Multiple GOP lawmakers are set to take part in the 2023 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting, with some justifying the participation as necessary to expand “American exceptionalism” while others are choosing not to take part in the elite event.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) are two GOP members scheduled to take part in the “America (Un)Bound” event at the meeting. America (Un)Bound will discuss what to expect from America’s “reshaped legislative landscape” in terms of domestic and foreign policy. WEF 2023 will be held in Davos between Jan. 16–20.

“Governor Kemp looks forward to traveling to Davos to share with leaders who the State of Georgia’s long record of conservative governance, protecting individual liberty, and championing opportunity can serve as a model for economic success across the country and around the world,” a spokesperson from Kemp’s office said in a statement. No further details about the trip or his planned remarks were revealed.

A spokesperson representing Salazar told The Daily Wire that the lawmaker will ensure that she highlights “American exceptionalism and opportunities” available under a free market economy at the event.

Kemp and Salazar will be joined at the panel by Democrats like Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) as well as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).

Justifications for Attendance

According to the U.S. embassy, Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) are also scheduled to attend the Davos meeting.

In a Jan. 11 press release, Issa justified his decision to attend the Davos meeting by stating that he had earlier taken the message of “American exceptionalism” everywhere it needed to be heard throughout his career, including “places that may not agree.”

Over the years, the WEF has gotten “much wrong” like the manifest dangers of the Chinese Communist Party, the global energy crisis, climate extremism, and crippling COVID-19 lockdowns. This year, the WEF has invited the presidents of Congo and Azerbaijan while also offering a special platform for a major Chinese official, which Issa says are mistakes as well.

“No conservative should be unwilling to go where progressive activists, world leaders, and the mainstream media are gathered and tell them when they are wrong. I believe we benefit from participating in conversations where we tell the truth about America’s point of view,” Issa stated.

“We should not accede to being excluded from a deeper dialogue at the World Economic Forum any more than being shut out of college campuses, online platforms, or public forums. This is what liberals are doing all over the world to drive away dissent and prevent free speech.”

Threat to Freedom

A spokesperson for Gallagher told The Daily Wire that though the lawmaker was invited to the conference, he chose not to attend.

Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) was earlier listed as a member of the U.S. delegation set to attend the WEF meeting, according to the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. However, an updated list does not mention Risch’s name. A spokesperson confirmed to the media outlet the lawmaker is not attending the event.

Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis had recently taken a dig at Davos attendees, characterizing them as a threat in a speech earlier this month.

“The threats to freedom are more complex and more widespread than they have been in the past. The threats can come from entrenched bureaucrats in D.C., jetsetters in Davos, and corporations wielding public power,” he said.

Back in August, DeSantis had made it clear that he does not want the values of Davos imposed on Florida but values from places like Dunedin where he grew up.

“Things like the World Economic Forum, those policies are dead on arrival in the state of Florida. We are not gonna go down that road,” he said.