• Former President Donald Trump intends to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos next January, despite not yet receiving an official invitation
  • The planned appearance comes as the WEF navigates leadership transition and internal governance challenges following Klaus Schwab's departure
  • Trump's protectionist agenda and ongoing US-Swiss trade tensions set the stage for a potentially contentious gathering

Donald Trump is planning to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, marking the event as a fixed date on his calendar even without an official invitation from the organization, according to people familiar with the matter.

The intended participation presents a significant test for the WEF's new leadership under André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, who are steering the organization through internal transitions following founder Klaus Schwab's recent resignation. Internal reports have cited challenges with governance and management structure, making Trump's potential attendance a crucial moment for the forum's credibility in handling divisive global figures.

Trump's presence would highlight the stark contrast between his nationalist, protectionist policies and the WEF's traditional emphasis on global cooperation and free trade. The timing is particularly sensitive given ongoing bilateral tensions, including US-imposed punitive tariffs on Switzerland that have complicated diplomatic relations.

"The new leadership faces a delicate balancing act," said one European diplomat who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter. "Hosting a sitting US president brings prestige, but Trump's policies directly challenge the forum's core principles."

Market participants are closely watching how Trump's economic agenda might shape the Davos discussions. His administration has begun an aggressive deregulation campaign and plans further tax cuts, including pulling the US out of global minimum tax agreements. A recent survey of chief economists shows nearly half expect positive short-term growth under his policies, but the vast majority foresee higher inflation.

Trump previously attended Davos in person in 2018 and 2020, and delivered a virtual address in January 2025. His planned self-invitation for 2026 breaks with established protocol for G20 heads of state, underscoring the challenge for WEF's new leadership in maintaining organizational norms during transition.

Other world leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and China's Ding Xuexiang are expected to participate, setting the stage for potentially tense exchanges on global trade and economic policy. The forum's communications team declined to comment on specific invitations when reached Tuesday morning.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Trump's last in-person Davos attendance. It was 2020, not 2021.