Trump expected to attend Davos 2026 as US-Swiss trade tensions thaw
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The US president is expected at Davos 2026, signaling improved US-Switzerland trade ties following renewed talks and a push from Swiss business leaders.
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US President Donald Trump speaks during an event on foster care in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Washington (AP)
US President Donald Trump is anticipated to participate in the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos next year, Bloomberg reported, citing information from individuals knowledgeable about his schedule, indicating a thaw in the relationship between the United States and Switzerland as the two countries move closer to finalizing a trade agreement.
Trump is arranging to travel to Switzerland with a substantial delegation, as indicated by sources with knowledge of the arrangements who preferred to remain anonymous when speaking about them publicly.
A White House official, who also requested anonymity when discussing the matter, stated that although the anticipation was for the president to attend the global forum again, the arrangements had not yet been entirely confirmed and remained subject to potential alteration.
The World Economic Forum, based in Geneva, has stated that it has invited the leaders of G-20 and other nations, including President Trump, to its 2026 Annual Meeting, with the final list of confirmed participants to be released one week before the event begins.
Trump's visit heralds boost for Switzerland, World Economic Forum
A Trump appearance in Davos would offer the Swiss government a key opportunity to reset relations with the United States, coinciding with a domestic leadership change. This comes after current Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter failed to secure a trade deal earlier this year, a failure that prompted the US to impose high tariffs on Swiss exports.
The relationship, however, has recently shown signs of improvement. This follows a lobbying campaign by Swiss business leaders who met with Trump, leading to renewed negotiations. Swiss negotiators are now in Washington, aiming to finalize a deal that would lower the tariffs.
For the World Economic Forum itself, a visit by the US president would provide a significant boost. The event, while still a major global gathering, has been contending with a scandal related to its founder, Klaus Schwab.
Although an independent investigation cleared Schwab of financial misconduct, the Forum has acknowledged a need for governance reform. In response, it has appointed interim leaders from BlackRock and Roche to oversee the upcoming January meeting.
Trump slithers away from international summits
As global leaders gather for high-stakes diplomacy, Trump has increasingly become an elusive figure on the international stage, opting out of multilateral forums, pulling US officials from key global negotiations, and exiting high-profile summits early, raising questions about Washington’s commitment to collective decision-making.
Trump announced on November 7 that the United States would fully boycott the G20 Summit in Johannesburg this year, withdrawing all official participation and prompting criticism over the US retreat from global leadership.
At the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held from October 31 to November 1 in South Korea, Trump attended only a brief dinner event before departing, refusing to take part in the formal sessions with regional partners.
On October 31, 2025, the Trump administration confirmed the US would not send senior officials to COP30 in Brazil, leaving its seats empty as Trump continues to push a climate change denial agenda.
Diplomats warned the absence could still come with behind-the-scenes pressure on climate rules, underscoring Washington’s growing withdrawal from multilateral climate cooperation.
During the G7 Summit in Canada, Trump exited early, skipping final joint discussions and signaling a growing discomfort with multilateral cooperation.
