Davos Under Trump: A Mix of Tension and Strategy

The annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is buzzing with anticipation and unease as President Trump prepares to speak. The atmosphere is thick with mixed feelings.

Executives' Dilemma

• Some top executives openly express their concerns, calling recent events "unpredictable" and "unusual."
• Yet, many of these same executives plan to attend a reception in Trump's honor, carefully planning their words to avoid any missteps.

International Tensions and Legal Uncertainties

• International politicians are worried about rising tensions over Greenland.
• The Supreme Court might soon rule on the legality of some of Trump's tariffs, adding another layer of uncertainty.

Larry Fink's Address

Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock and interim co-chair of the W.E.F., addressed the forum's opening event.

• He admitted that the forum has lost some of its trust and credibility.
• He suggested bringing in new voices and possibly expanding the event to other cities.

U.S. Delegation's Focus

The U.S. delegation's focus seems to be on issues like Greenland and artificial intelligence, rather than the forum's traditional goals of global cooperation and trade.

• Trump has shown interest in Greenland.
• Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has downplayed potential European reactions to Trump's trade policies.

The Complex Mood in Davos

The mood in Davos is a complex mix of caution, strategy, and a bit of humor as attendees navigate the political landscape.