Trump “excited” to be at globalist-friendly World Economic Forum

World Today

Trump "excited" to be at globalist-friendly World Economic Forum

U.S. President Donald Trump is in the Swiss resort town of Davos where he will give a closing address Friday at the World Economic Forum. His keynote speech is expected to focus on U-S achievements and trade.

CGTN’s Jack Barton reports from Davos.

Security was on high-alert for the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump, but despite a series of roadblocks, a handful of protestors slipped through.

Trump is the first U.S. president to attend Davos in 18 years. Though he belittled the forum and delegates during his election campaign as elite “globalists,” his tone was different on Thursday, saying he was “excited to be here.”

Some delegates have been calling for a walkout, while other say that would go against the spirit of the forum.

Trump had kind words for his pro-globalization British counterpart Theresa May, with whom he held talks shortly after his arrival. Trump said the U.S. and U.K. would develop deeper economic and military ties.

Meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said U.S. aid to the Palestinians would halt until they joined peace talks.

“Well they disrespected us a week ago by not allowing our great vice president to see them, and we give them hundreds of million dollars in aid and support tremendous numbers. Numbers that nobody understands,” the president said. “That money is on the table. That money is not going to them. Unless they sit down and negotiate peace.”

While Trump will deliver the closing keynote address on Friday, British Prime Minister Theresa May delivered her much anticipated speech on Thursday. She surprised everyone by skipping the topic of her country’s exit from the European Union. Instead, May talked about Artificial Intelligence and Internet regulation, saying social media companies should be liable for content posted on their platforms.

“No one wants to be known as the terrorists’ platform or the first choice app for pedophiles,” May told the assembled.

There are still a few speeches and many meetings to go, but the focus is on what Trump might say: “America First,” according to the White House, but maybe a softer tone on international relations and climate change.

Or at least that’s the hope in Davos.


Paolo Von Schirach on the WEF

CGTN’s Mike Walter discusses day three of the World Economic Forum with Paolo Von Schirach, President of the Global Policy Institute.