President Donald Trump is set to arrive at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week at the helm of the largest delegation the United States has ever sent to the annual gathering of global elites.
Unprecedented US Presence and Key Attendees
The American contingent will include five cabinet members, numerous congressional representatives, and several state governors. Key figures travelling with the President include Secretary of State Mark Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and his senior international negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. In total, around 20 members of the Trump administration are expected to be present.
They will join a significant gathering of world leaders, with at least 64 heads of state confirmed for the Swiss resort. This includes six out of seven G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Zelensky will be alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with reports suggesting a major reconstruction deal for Ukraine could be agreed with the United States during the week.
Global Economic and Political Agenda
This marks President Trump's first in-person appearance at the Davos forum in six years. Last year, he delivered a virtual address the day after his inauguration, laying out the 'America First' doctrine that has reshaped global trade and diplomacy over the past twelve months. His administration's recent intervention in Venezuela, focused squarely on securing oil resources, has further heightened global economic uncertainty, setting the stage for Davos to become a crucial negotiation forum.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will represent the UK, aiming to promote Britain as a prime investment destination. She is scheduled for a roundtable with business leaders hosted by JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon and will speak on a public panel. Downing Street has not yet confirmed whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend.
Broad International Participation and Trade Implications
The forum will see a substantial Chinese delegation led by Vice-Premier He Lifeng, the country's top economic official. There will also be a strong presence from Latin America, India, and the Middle East, including delegations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and the transitional President of Syria.
Trade policy remains a central theme. In his 2025 speech, President Trump warned European leaders and manufacturers of trade barriers if they did not shift production to the US, a threat later realised with the imposition of steep 'Liberation Day' tariffs last April. While many of these tariffs have since been scaled back through bilateral talks—with the UK securing better terms for its car industry than the EU—the President's approach continues to define the international economic landscape, ensuring all eyes will be on him in Davos.
