The World Economic Forum is set to return to Davos with a strong political presence, and the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump has now been officially confirmed. Event organizers removed any remaining uncertainty, stating that Trump will attend the 2026 meeting in person in the Swiss Alpine resort. WEF President Børge Brende confirmed Trump’s attendance during a press conference, saying the organization looks forward to welcoming him back. The annual gathering will take place from January 19 to January 23 and is expected to feature one of the most politically significant agendas in recent years.
Trump will not arrive in Davos alone. According to the organizers, he will be accompanied by the largest U.S. delegation ever to attend the forum. The delegation is expected to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, underscoring the weight of the American presence. The president’s appearance marks his first personal return to Davos since 2020. In 2025, Trump participated only via video link, using his address to outline key economic measures, including the introduction of high import tariffs imposed on several countries.
During his first term, Trump attended the World Economic Forum in person on multiple occasions, with his last visit taking place in 2020. His return now comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, shaped by economic pressures, geopolitical tensions, and debates over the future of international trade and security. According to Brende, this year’s forum is expected to host a record number of world leaders. A total of 64 heads of state and government are anticipated, including six of the seven leaders from the G7, highlighting the political significance of the event.
Confirmed participants also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, alongside senior officials from major financial institutions and global corporations. With this lineup, the 2026 World Economic Forum is shaping up to be one of the most influential gatherings in years. Trump’s direct participation, combined with an unusually large U.S. delegation, signals intense discussions ahead on global economic policy, trade relations, security, and the balance of power in an increasingly fragmented world.
