WASHINGTON—The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, long known for supporting globalism, environmental sustainability, and social equity, struck a markedly different tone this year with President Donald Trump’s return to the global stage.
Topics that used to be central at the WEF’s annual meeting appeared to be sidelined, replaced by more urgent issues such as trans-Atlantic tensions over Greenland, tariff disputes, and growing unilateralism.
This year, Klaus Schwab did not attend for the first time since he founded the WEF in 1971. With Schwab’s absence came a noticeable decline in focus on the forum’s usual themes, such as multilateral cooperation on net-zero transitions and initiatives such as environmental, social, and governance policies and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Observers also noted a significant decline in climate discussions at Davos. The 2026 official program featured only four sessions referencing “climate change,” down from 16 in 2022. In speeches by world leaders—including French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney—terms such as “climate change” and “net zero” were absent.
Trump attended this year’s summit with a large delegation, and his Cabinet members used the forum to promote his America First agenda.
On Jan. 21, Trump delivered a speech lasting for more than an hour, setting the tone for the week. He criticized efforts to promote renewable energy in European countries, referring to them as the “Green New Scam” and the “greatest hoax in history.” He stated that countries that have invested most heavily in windmills have experienced greater losses over the years.
Wright told The Epoch Times that Trump was right to highlight his economic and energy policies in his speech.
“He rightfully celebrated American economic growth, the stopping of the price rise, increasing of wages of American workers, getting a commonsense energy policy so we can drive our economic growth and help support our neighbors and allies in Europe,” Wright said.
Interest in Trump was evident well before his speech. Participants began lining up more than 90 minutes in advance. The conference room was full, and some attendees stood in the aisles. Among them was California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender.
On Jan. 22, Newsom participated in a discussion during which he accused the Davos crowd of not standing up to Trump. He criticized law firms, universities, and corporations for “selling out” to the Trump administration.
Newsom was not the only Democratic governor in Davos. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a moderate Democrat who has won two terms in a deep-red state, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, another frequently mentioned 2028 contender, were also present.
Trump also used his time in Davos to spotlight the United States’ military and economic might. He touted sweeping deregulation, booming stock markets, surging energy production, and robust economic growth in the United States.
His remarks on Greenland drew significant attention. Trump said that the United States should acquire what he described as “a big piece of ice” for national security, while assuring the crowd that there would be no military takeover.
Trump announced on Jan. 22 that he had reached a framework agreement with NATO regarding Greenland’s future, but he offered few details.
Many European leaders and media criticized Trump’s remarks, but NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended his position.
On Jan. 26, speaking to the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte cited increased activity by China and Russia in the Arctic and warned that Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. support.
