Trump to meet global CEOs in Davos as U.S. policy takes centre stage

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet leading global business executives in Davos this week, placing American economic and foreign policy firmly in the spotlight at the World Economic Forum (WEF).

According to people familiar with the plans, senior executives from sectors including financial services, consulting and crypto have been invited to a reception following Trump’s special address on Wednesday. Invitations were issued to global CEOs, not limited to U.S. companies, signalling Washington’s intent to directly engage international business leaders amid sweeping policy shifts.

Trump is expected to arrive in the Swiss resort town on Wednesday accompanied by several senior officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. While details of the CEO meeting remain unclear, its symbolism has already drawn attention, as business leaders seek clarity on trade, tariffs and geopolitical priorities under the Trump administration.

Investor Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Trump’s communications director during his first term, confirmed awareness of the meeting but dismissed it as political theatre, saying he would not attend even if invited.

China is also asserting its presence at Davos. Vice Premier He Lifeng is scheduled to deliver a special address earlier in the week and host his own reception with global CEOs and company founders, underscoring Beijing’s parallel outreach to international business at a time of rising global uncertainty.

This year’s WEF agenda has been heavily shaped by recent U.S. policy moves and growing geopolitical tensions. Organisers expect more than 3,000 delegates from over 130 countries, including around 64 heads of state and government, with emerging markets strongly represented.

Several diplomatic sources said national security advisers from multiple countries are also meeting on the sidelines of the forum, with Greenland among the topics under discussion after Trump’s recent remarks linking tariffs to the Arctic island.

Bessent cautioned European governments against retaliatory moves, arguing that such a response would be counterproductive, and urged allies to take the president’s statements seriously.

Some business leaders have framed Trump’s approach as a high-pressure negotiating strategy. Jenny Johnson, CEO of asset manager Franklin Templeton, said the tactics can be uncomfortable but may reflect longer-term U.S. strategic aims.

“We all know his style—start tough, then negotiate,” she said.

Brief Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet global CEOs in Davos this week on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, as business leaders seek clearer signals on U.S. trade, tariff and geopolitical priorities. A reception for executives is planned after Trump’s special address on Wednesday, while China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng is also set to host meetings with corporate leaders, highlighting intensifying economic diplomacy and rising policy uncertainty.

Why this matters for business leaders

• Policy clarity: CEOs want direct signals on U.S. trade policy, tariffs, and geopolitical strategy that could reshape global investment decisions.
• Supply chain risk: Shifting U.S. economic priorities could affect global manufacturing, sourcing routes, and cross-border compliance.
• Market volatility: Tariff risks and geopolitical uncertainty can drive sudden moves in commodities, FX markets, and global equities.
• Competitive diplomacy: China’s parallel outreach at Davos signals a battle for corporate influence and investment flows.
• Board-level risk planning: Companies may need to adjust 2026 budgeting, capex, and hedging strategies depending on policy direction.

FAQs

Q1) Why is Trump’s presence in Davos significant?

It signals direct engagement between the U.S. administration and global business leaders at a time when trade, tariffs and geopolitics are shaping corporate decision-making.

Q2) Who is expected to attend the CEO meeting?

According to people familiar with the plans, invited executives include senior leaders from sectors such as finance, consulting, and crypto, with invitations reportedly not limited to U.S. firms.

Q3) What role is China playing at Davos this year?

China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng is scheduled to deliver a special address and host his own engagement with global CEOs and founders, underscoring China’s parallel outreach to international business.

Q4) Why is Greenland being discussed at the WEF?

Recent remarks by Trump linking tariffs to Greenland have pushed the issue into wider diplomatic discussions, with national security advisers from multiple countries also holding meetings on the sidelines.

Q5) How are markets reacting to Trump’s policy approach?

Some investors frame it as tough negotiating leverage, while others remain cautious about rising volatility due to tariff uncertainty and geopolitical risk.

Q6) What should businesses watch coming out of Davos?

Signals on trade and tariff direction, cross-border regulation, geopolitical alignment, and how governments plan to balance growth, security and supply chain resilience.