Trump Set for Keynote at Davos 2026 Amid Tariff Controversies
United States President Donald Trump will deliver a major speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026. His appearance comes against a backdrop of significant geopolitical developments, including his administration's tariffs related to Greenland and a proposed peace board for Gaza.
Davos 2026: A Global Gathering of Leaders
The annual World Economic Forum meeting returns to the Swiss alpine town of Davos. Organizers expect around 3,000 high-level participants to attend. This group includes world leaders, top business executives, journalists, and activists from across the globe.
The World Economic Forum itself operates as a Geneva-based think tank and event organizer. Its flagship annual meeting first took place in Davos back in 1971. Founder Klaus Schwab hosted that initial gathering of business leaders.
Davos is a picturesque ski resort town situated approximately 5,000 feet high in the eastern Swiss Alps. It has a resident population of about 10,000 people.
Over the decades, the forum's scope has expanded dramatically. What began as a business conference now addresses a vast range of critical issues. The agenda for 2026 includes more than 200 sessions covering topics like economic inequality, climate change, technological advancement, and international cooperation alongside competition and conflict.
Who Will Be in Attendance at WEF 2026?
This year's forum boasts a record number of political leaders. Organizers confirm over 400 top political figures will participate, including more than 60 heads of state and government. Nearly 850 chairs and CEOs from the world's leading corporations are also scheduled to attend.
President Donald Trump headlines the list of attendees. He will be accompanied by key members of his administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are among the notable US officials joining him.
Other prominent world leaders making the trip to Davos include:
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi
- China's Vice Premier He Lifeng
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The forum will also host a significant ministerial presence. Reports indicate 55 economy and finance ministers, 33 foreign affairs ministers, 34 trade and industry ministers, and 11 central bank governors are expected.
Major business figures set to attend feature some of the biggest names in technology and industry:
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang
- Microsoft's Satya Nadella
- Google DeepMind's Demis Hassabis
- Mistral AI's Arthur Mensch from France
Key representatives from international institutions will also participate. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are among the banner names confirmed.
Notable Absences from This Year's Forum
While the attendee list is impressive, several notable figures will not be present at Davos this year. Their absence adds another layer to the forum's dynamics, reflecting current global political and economic realities.
The Complex Geopolitical Backdrop for Davos 2026
This year's forum unfolds within an incredibly complex geopolitical environment. President Trump's pronouncements and policies on various international issues have significantly disrupted the global order.
His stance on Venezuela, Greenland, and Iran, coupled with aggressive tariff policies, has raised fundamental questions about America's evolving role on the world stage. These developments will undoubtedly form a critical part of the discussions in Davos.
Artificial intelligence represents another hot-button topic for the 2026 meeting. Business leaders will explore how to harness AI for greater efficiency and profitability. Labor representatives and advocacy groups plan to highlight potential threats to jobs and livelihoods. Policymakers will grapple with finding the right balance between necessary regulation and the freedom to innovate.
Forum organizers have selected "A Spirit of Dialogue" as this year's central theme. Discussions will revolve around five key pillars: cooperation, growth, investment in people, innovation, and building shared prosperity.
Critics of the World Economic Forum often argue that it generates more talk than concrete action. They point to persistent global inequality and unresolved challenges like climate change as areas where forum discussions have not led to sufficient tangible progress.
The 2026 meeting in Davos promises to be a pivotal event. It brings together the world's most influential figures at a time of significant uncertainty and transformation across the international landscape.
