Hundreds of global CEOs, finance titans, and more than 60 prime ministers and presidents are gathering in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. This year's meeting takes place amid what critics describe as Donald Trump's assault on both US democracy and the international order established after World War II.
Trump has threatened NATO allies with tariffs, withdrawn from international agreements, and violated the UN charter by invading Venezuela and abducting Nicolás Maduro. He has also demanded the annexation of Greenland, prompting solidarity among Nordic nations. In a text message to Norway's prime minister, Trump cited his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize as a reason for his aggressive stance.
Robert Reich, a former US labour secretary, urges world leaders to speak out against Trump's actions. He highlights Trump's threat to sue JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who is attending Davos. Reich suggests the lawsuit threat is an attempt to silence Dimon, who recently criticised Trump's investigation of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
Dimon has a major speaking role at Davos. If he uses it to condemn Trump's economic and democratic disruptions, Reich argues, it could embolden other CEOs and leaders. However, Reich doubts Dimon's courage, noting his past loyalty to his bank over the country. Dimon's retirement may offer a chance to be on the right side of history.
Reich concludes that if Trump can intimidate Dimon, other CEOs are unlikely to risk speaking out. The Davos gathering represents a critical opportunity for global leaders to collectively repudiate Trump's actions and defend the international order.
