U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet global business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, as part of his participation in the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), according to sources cited by Reuters.
The gathering, which brings together political and business elites from around the world, is expected to host over 3,000 delegates from more than 130 countries, including 64 heads of state and government, with a particular focus on emerging economies.
The meeting would include CEOs from a variety of sectors, including financial services, cryptocurrency, and consulting.
Sources told Reuters that the reception is specifically in honour of Trump’s attendance, and while the exact agenda remains unclear, invitations to attend were reportedly issued by the White House.
Some executives, such as Anthony Scaramucci who briefly served as Trump’s communications director during his first term, acknowledged awareness of the meeting but indicated they would not attend, either due to lack of an invitation or unwillingness to be a “side show.”
Trump is expected to arrive in Davos on Wednesday to deliver a special address.
He would be accompanied by several senior U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
China would also have a prominent presence at the forum, represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng.
He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Tuesday and host a separate reception for CEOs and founders of global companies.
Requests for comments from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were not immediately answered.
The WEF agenda is being heavily influenced by Trump’s recent policy maneuvers, particularly his proposal that the United States take control of Greenland and his threat to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries unless concessions are made regarding the Arctic island.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Greenland has been added to the agenda for a previously scheduled meeting of national security advisers from multiple countries, set to take place on Monday on the sidelines of the forum.
Treasury Secretary Bessent urged European governments not to respond with retaliatory measures, emphasising that it would be unwise to doubt Trump’s intentions.
“I think it would be very unwise,” Bessent told reporters. “Europe should not doubt President Trump’s intentions over Greenland.
”I’ve been travelling, so I haven’t been in touch with European officials directly, but I spoke to President Trump, and evidently there are a lot of inbounds, and I think everyone should take the president at his word.”
Business leaders attending the forum have weighed in on Trump’s approach. Jenny Johnson, CEO of asset management firm Franklin Templeton, described the president’s tactics as forceful negotiation strategies.
“We all know his style,” she said. “His style is, ‘I’m going to come out with a hammer, and then I’ll negotiate with you.’ But his instinct about trying to figure out longer-term positions for the United States is the right instinct.”
The forum would also see participation from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, who is scheduled to meet with members of the U.S. delegation.
Sources familiar with the matter noted that discussions will take place under conditions of anonymity, given the sensitive nature of the talks.
The Trump administration’s presence at Davos, along with its controversial policies, is expected to dominate discussions and overshadow other agenda items.
Several heads of G7 nations are attending, with global attention focused on how Trump’s policy changes, particularly regarding Greenland, may influence international relations and trade negotiations.
