Staff Reports
After kicking off his second term in the White House, Donald Trump made headlines even from 3,600 miles away at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The former president addressed the prestigious gathering via video link, and it didn’t take long for his presence to eclipse the discussions of world leaders meeting in person.
During his 45-minute speech, Trump took on a myriad of topics, ranging from energy to artificial intelligence and tariffs, all while reminding the assembled European regulators and bankers that they could use a dose of common sense. He chided European regulators for their heavy-handed approaches that hindered U.S. tech companies. Trump’s message was clear: when it comes to business, America is the land of opportunity, but those who choose not to invest in the U.S. will be greeted not with open arms, but with tariffs.
Just listened to Trump’s virtual address to the #WEF at Davos. Tough message – invest in the US with production and jobs or face tariffs. Targeted Canada saying doesn’t need our lumber, cars or oil/gas and pitched the 51st state idea. The threat is existential. Wake up Canada! pic.twitter.com/LzCbdqpOEN
— Thomas d'Aquino (@Thomas_dAquino) January 23, 2025
In a typical Trumpian fashion, he laid out an irresistible proposition for business leaders, essentially suggesting they could benefit from America’s low taxes if they set up shop at home. This kind of economic patriotism is a stark contrast to the usual namby-pamby globalism that permeates such elite meetings. The room may have occasionally filled with hushed whispers and shocked expressions, but there were also moments of applause as Trump’s straightforward rhetoric resonated with many who likely shared his frustration with the status quo.
Interestingly, Trump’s shadow loomed large over the discussions, even before he spoke. Conversations among attendees often revolved around him, overshadowing other pressing topics like climate change, cryptocurrency risks, and, most disturbingly for some, artificial intelligence. Now, one might think that a high-stakes gathering like Davos, where the world’s elite strategize on fixing global problems, might focus on pressing matters. But instead, it seemed that the ghost of Trump was the life of the party.
Despite AI being touted as the “next big thing” at this year’s summit, it took a backseat to Trump’s bombshell first-day executive orders and pardons, which drew the kind of attention that only the former president can command. Attendees acknowledged that no single figure had ever defined the conversation at Davos as much as Trump, who wasn’t even physically present—proof that America’s former chief executive still commands a worldwide spotlight that few can rival.
Davos might be the high-and-mighty gathering of elites, but Trump’s promise that the U.S. would never concede its position as a “global superpower in artificial intelligence” sets the tone moving forward. He vowed to unleash a massive wave of deregulation and investment, keeping the American spirit alive and ready to thrive. As Trump shakes up the Davos world with his bold propositions, it becomes clear that the establishment might be wise to rethink their strategies if they truly want to keep up with the rise of America-First policies.
