Trump Returns to Davos Virtually for World Economic Forum/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump made a virtual return to the Davos World Economic Forum, addressing global leaders just days after his second inauguration. Key topics included his infrastructure-focused AI investment plan, Ukraine’s conflict, and debates around “wokeism.” Other prominent speakers included Argentine President Javier Milei and Pope Francis’ envoy, who highlighted concerns about AI’s ethical implications.
Davos 2025 Quick Looks
- President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum virtually, his first global speech since reinauguration.
- Trump promoted a $500 billion AI-linked infrastructure plan and defended fossil fuel investments.
- Argentine President Javier Milei criticized “wokeism,” calling it a “mental virus” harming global progress.
- Pope Francis’ envoy stressed AI’s potential to aid justice but warned of ethical risks.
- NATO Secretary-General urged continued support for Ukraine amid concerns over Trump’s diplomacy with Russia.
Trump Returns to Davos Virtually for World Economic Forum
Deep Look
President Donald Trump made a highly anticipated virtual return to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, marking his first international speech since his second inauguration. Speaking from the White House via video link, Trump addressed key global topics, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to fossil fuels, while other prominent leaders at Davos tackled pressing global challenges such as climate change, “wokeism,” and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump’s Vision for AI and Economic Growth
During his virtual address, Trump unveiled plans for a $500 billion AI-driven infrastructure joint venture, aimed at revolutionizing transportation, communication, and logistics. This ambitious proposal drew praise from some tech industry leaders in Davos, although Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to his platform, X, to question its feasibility, claiming the partners “don’t actually have the money.”
Trump also reiterated his stance on energy independence, advocating for continued fossil fuel exploration in contrast to the pro-renewable sentiments at Davos. His slogan, “drill, baby, drill,” faced pushback from pro-environment groups, including small protests outside the forum calling for accelerated solar energy adoption.
The former president also received commendation from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his role in securing a Gaza ceasefire before his recent inauguration. Guterres highlighted Trump’s “robust diplomacy,” crediting him with helping to end prolonged negotiations.
Argentina’s Milei Declares War on ‘Wokeism’
Argentine President Javier Milei’s fiery speech captured attention as he lambasted “wokeism,” which he described as the greatest threat to modern society. Milei blamed identity politics, social welfare programs, feminism, and climate change activism for stifling progress.
“The countries that are failing share a common denominator: the mental virus of woke ideology,” he said, adding that leaders like Trump and Musk represent a global alliance of nations seeking to preserve freedom. Milei’s remarks resonated with conservative voices but sparked debates over his confrontational tone.
The Pope’s Call for Ethical AI
Pope Francis sent a message to the forum via his envoy, Cardinal Peter Turkson, urging leaders to balance technological advancements with ethical considerations. The pontiff warned against allowing AI to undermine human dignity and truth in public discourse.
“When used correctly, AI assists humanity in fulfilling its vocation with freedom and responsibility,” Turkson said. However, he emphasized the importance of AI being harnessed for justice and social good rather than unchecked technical gains.
Ukraine’s Future and NATO’s Plea
The war in Ukraine remained a focal point at Davos, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte cautioning against rushed peace talks that could favor Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rutte called for continued Western support for Ukraine, warning that a bad deal could embolden authoritarian regimes globally.
“If we allow Putin to high-five with leaders from North Korea, Iran, and China, we would face serious geopolitical consequences,” Rutte said.
Meanwhile, Richard Grenell, Trump’s nominee for envoy for special missions, addressed the conflict, stating that Trump plans to use a “credible threat” strategy to pressure both sides into ending the war. Grenell emphasized the urgency of stopping the violence but acknowledged that Trump faces complex decisions.
Technology and Climate Conversations Take Center Stage
Davos 2025 brought together top executives and academics to discuss the future of AI and energy. Dario Amodei of Anthropic and Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun explored AI’s transformative potential across industries. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency focused on transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables.
Environmental advocates, though fewer in number compared to previous years, made their voices heard through symbolic protests and creative placards like “Sun Baby Sun.” These gestures highlighted the growing divide between climate activists and leaders pushing for traditional energy strategies.
Trump’s Ongoing Influence
Despite not attending in person, Trump’s virtual presence at Davos underlined his continued influence on global politics and economics. His bold proposals, including the AI joint venture, and his firm stance on energy policy, drew both applause and criticism from the international community.
As debates on AI ethics, energy transition, and geopolitical tensions dominate discussions, Davos 2025 remains a stage for divergent visions of the future—a place where leaders like Trump and Milei challenge established norms while figures like Pope Francis and NATO representatives call for a more balanced and ethical approach to global challenges.
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