TL:DR – Donald Trump Arrives in Switzerland for Davos Speech: Latest News Update
- Donald Trump arrived in Switzerland three hours late for the World Economic Forum due to a technical issue with Air Force One.
- He will first meet business leaders before addressing the delegates at 1.30pm UK time.
- European leaders, including President Macron, have condemned Trump’s tariff threats against multiple countries.
- The UK government, represented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, may consider retaliatory tariffs in response.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer is not attending the summit.
Donald Trump touches down in Switzerland ahead of Davos speech | News World
Donald Trump Arrives for World Economic Forum in Davos
Donald Trump has landed in Switzerland for a showdown with European leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The US president touched down three hours late after his Air Force One was forced to U-turn in mid-air en route to this crucial summit.
Technical Issues Delay Trump’s Arrival
The crew of the modified Boeing 747-200B made the call to abort the initial journey due to a minor electrical issue.
Trump’s first engagement involved meeting business leaders before he prepares to deliver a speech to the World Economic Forum. He is expected to address delegates and world leaders at 1.30pm UK time (2.30pm in Switzerland).
Trump Faces Criticism Over Tariff Threats
International leaders have expressed strong criticism towards Trump regarding his tariff threats, particularly aimed at European nations. French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the conference yesterday, stating he prefers “respect to bullies” and the “rule of law to brutality.”
This strong statement follows Trump’s announcement of imposing a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after Macron rejected an invitation to join his international ‘Board of Peace.’
Furthermore, Trump indicated last week that he would impose a 10% tariff on several European countries, including the UK, until he could purchase the Danish territory of Greenland. He has threatened to escalate these tariffs to 25% starting June 1 if an agreement isn’t reached.
Is Keir Starmer Attending Davos?
The Prime Minister is not planning to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, as confirmed by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband this morning. He informed the BBC that “the Prime Minister’s got other engagements and he will engage with President Trump in his own way.”
In attendance, however, is Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who mentioned that the government would not dismiss the possibility of retaliatory tariffs on the US.