Three days after his inauguration as President of the United States, Donald Trump delivers an anticipated speech online before the World Economic Forum in Davos, whose annual summit was the first decision taken by the Republican president at the start of his second term.
Trump’s name came up in almost every conversation in the village located in the Swiss Alps this week, whether in official or regular discussions on public transportation buses or even during public and private events.
“Trump is a provocateur,” said Harvard researcher Graham Allison, who regularly participates in the World Economic Forum. “He enjoys being a provocateur, and a lot of people in Davos are bored in their lives. He’s not boring. So, you know, it’s kind of exciting.” “.
Davos will hear from Trump, who will appear live via video, and executives and businessmen will have the opportunity to ask questions of the billionaire and former real estate mogul.
The American President had anticipated the forum by providing a glimpse of what would be done during his inauguration ceremony, which was held on Monday in conjunction with the first day of the World Economic Forum, where he issued threats to place customs tariffs on trade with Mexico and Canada, and to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, and to seize… On the Panama Canal.
However, his plans to cut taxes, shrink the size of the federal government, and liberalize some industries and services will be heard by many companies.
“Trump was running America like a business, and he was very focused on getting the best benefits for the United States in any way possible,” said Julie Tegeland, managing partner at EY Consulting.
She added, “He knows that he needs business partners to do this. He knows that. So I expect that he will send a message along these lines.”
China warns
Trump’s business partners had the opportunity to respond to his suggestions and decisions while in Davos earlier this week.
Without mentioning the US President’s name, Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xuexiang warned that “there are no winners in a trade war.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to defend free trade. While he adopted a conciliatory tone, he noted that he had had good discussions earlier with Trump.
For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Brussels is ready to negotiate with Trump, but at the same time she pointed to the bloc’s policy that differs from its climate policy, stressing that the European Union will continue to adhere to the Paris Agreement.
As for Panama’s President, José Raul Molino, he rejected Trump’s statements regarding the canal that the United States built and handed over to the Central American country in 1999 under a treaty concluded two decades ago.
Molyneux stressed that he was “not worried,” adding that Panama “will not be distracted by these types of statements.”
Celebrating Trump
The Republican president also has an audience and admirers in Davos, as hours before his speech, Argentine President Javier Milli, who is one of his most prominent fans on the international scene, will deliver a speech before the World Economic Forum.
Milley said during an event organized by Bloomberg yesterday, Wednesday, that “the world should celebrate the arrival of President Trump.”
He added, “The golden age that he presents to the United States will illuminate the entire world because it will represent the end of (woke ideology) that causes so much harm to the planet.”
Also, one of his supporters in the business world, Marc Benioff, CEO of the American technology company Salesforce, expressed enthusiasm during a chat at the Bloomberg event.
“I’m very optimistic,” he said, adding, “I’m looking forward to seeing what happens… It’s a new day, it’s an exciting moment.”
