DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — US President Donald Trump dominated this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, reigniting global attention on the annual gathering of political and corporate elites. For years, critics dismissed the forum as an out-of-touch echo chamber, but Trump’s presence brought a mix of diplomacy, confrontation, and media frenzy.
Arriving with the Greenland dispute looming, Trump captivated audiences and drew large crowds eager to hear his speech. He mocked allies while praising influential figures in the room, eventually ruling out military action to acquire Greenland. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics noted the unprecedented attention Trump garnered, saying, “None has got such kind of interest. To hear different perspectives, argue, discuss, and build bridges — that’s what Davos is meant to be.”
The summit became a hub of intense diplomacy. Trump announced a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland following talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and unveiled his controversial Board of Peace initiative.
Davos has seen historic moments before, from Greek-Turkish negotiations in 1988 to talks between Nelson Mandela and F. W. de Klerk in 1992, but the Trump spotlight brought the forum back into global headlines. His administration used the event to push the America First agenda, criticizing globalization as a failed policy. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “Globalization has failed the West and the United States of America. It is a failed policy. It is what the WEF has stood for.”
This year’s forum also marked a leadership change. Founder Klaus Schwab stepped down amid controversy, and Larry Fink, head of BlackRock, took over as interim co-chair. Fink acknowledged skepticism around the forum’s relevance and suggested hosting meetings in places “where the modern world is actually being built,” such as Detroit or Dublin.
While geopolitical issues dominated, CEOs focused on business innovation and AI transformation. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, alongside Apple’s Tim Cook and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, attended high-profile meetings with Trump. Benioff said, “The people who matter are here, and the conversations that are important are happening here. Davos has never been more relevant.”
The combination of Trump’s polarizing presence, ongoing global crises, and a renewed focus on the forum’s future has made Davos 2026 one of the most discussed editions in years, merging business, politics, and international diplomacy in ways not seen since the forum’s early landmark summits.
