Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet leading global business executives in Davos on Wednesday during the World Economic Forum (WEF), according to sources cited by Reuters. His anticipated appearance is set to dominate discussions at the annual gathering of political and business elites in Switzerland.
Organisers say the forum will host more than 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including 64 heads of state and government, with strong representation from emerging economies.
Executives from sectors such as finance, cryptocurrency and consulting were invited to a reception following Trump’s special address at the forum, though details of the meeting remain unclear. Some invitees said the event was described simply as a reception in Trump’s honour, while others noted that CEOs from around the world — not just the U.S. — were expected to attend. One source said the invitations were issued by the White House.
Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Trump’s communications director, confirmed awareness of the meeting but said he would not attend, describing it as a potential “side show.”
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Davos on Wednesday and deliver a special speech. He is being accompanied by senior U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
China is represented at the forum by Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is due to give his own address and host a separate reception with global CEOs and company founders.
This year’s WEF discussions have been heavily influenced by recent U.S. policy actions under Trump, including his controversial demand that the United States take control of Greenland. The issue has prompted diplomatic discussions on the sidelines of the forum, with national security advisers from several countries adding Greenland to their agenda.
Bessent cautioned European countries against retaliating over U.S. trade measures linked to the dispute, urging them to take Trump’s statements seriously. He said Europe should not underestimate Trump’s resolve.
Some business leaders, including Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, described Trump’s aggressive policy moves as uncomfortable but strategic negotiating tactics aimed at advancing U.S. interests.
