US President Donald Trump intends to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in 2026, as CH Media (paid article) reports, citing sources close to the Federal Council and the WEF. According to the newspaper, however, Donald Trump invited himself. An official invitation has not yet been issued.

The World Economic Forum contradicted this claim in a statement to 20 Minuten. WEF President Borge Brende already invited the US President to the next meeting at the last annual meeting in January, when he was live on stage, according to a spokesperson. Official, written invitations were also sent in May and August. The WEF told 20 Minuten that this was not a self-invitation.

For Trump, this would be his third appearance in Davos, following 2018 and 2020. But politically, his planned visit would be anything but easy, the newspaper reports. Relations between Bern and Washington are strained, especially due to the ongoing tariff dispute.

Protests expected

The WEF itself also faces a delicate task. Following the resignation of longtime founder Klaus Schwab, the forum will be led for the first time by two co-presidents: Roche heir André Hoffmann and BlackRock founder Larry Fink. While Fink is considered close to Trump, Hoffmann is an outspoken critic of the Republican—particularly because of his environmental policies and the appointment of the vaccine-critical Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health.

Trump's visit has not yet been confirmed by either the WEF or the federal government. Experience has shown that the US president changes his travel plans at short notice. Nevertheless, according to the newspaper, Swiss authorities are already preparing for the worst-case scenario – including security concerns. A Trump appearance is likely to trigger protests.