Trump Speaks at World Economic Forum in Switzerland (Video)
The president told the group of world leaders that his "America first" trade policy does not mean "America alone."
President Trump gave a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Friday, telling the group of world leaders that his oft-repeated “America first” policy does not necessarily mean “America alone.”
However, he warned his fellow national leaders, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, that trade “needs to be fair and it needs to be reciprocal.”
Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend the World Economic Forum since Bill Clinton, flew back to Washington, D.C., later Friday evening. He tweeted that his speech was a success:
Heading back from a very exciting two days in Davos, Switzerland. Speech on America’s economic revival was well received. Many of the people I met will be investing in the U.S.A.! #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2018
But attendees reportedly booed Trump during a Q&A following his speech, as he criticized the media for being “nasty,” “vicious” and “fake.”
The trip marked an important diplomatic moment for Trump. Earlier in the week, he and May smoothed over friction caused when Trump retweeted anti-Muslim videos posted by a British account, prompting May to issue a public rebuke. But the two sat down together Thursday in Davos, where Trump declared them “on the same wavelength.” Clips from an upcoming interview with British television host Piers Morgan, who interviewed Trump in Davos, show that Trump is prepared to apologize for the retweets.
Watch Trump’s inaugural speech at the World Economic Forum in the player above.
–Posted by Emma Niles.
Wait, before you go…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Shipping supplies billionaires Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein frequently back “America First” candidates and causes. When it comes to their own company, it’s a different matter.
He has drawn a very clear line in the sand that invites every American to choose a side.
Not only has the president's signature legislation failed to repatriate U.S. dollars, it's shifted more American production overseas.
As the American president picks fights with allies such as French leader Emmanuel Macron, nationalism threatens to shatter Europe.