Watch live: Trump speaks at World Economic Forum in Davos

FAN Editor

As the Senate launches only the third impeachment trial of a president in history, President Trump is half a world away in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. But he was unable to escape scrutiny there, where some of the United States’ allies have distanced themselves and the recent conflict with Iran has sparked renewed skepticism of the president’s handling of foreign affairs. 

The president’s day Tuesday was to begin with him delivering opening remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, followed by a “fireside chat” with WEF founder Klaus Schwab. Before his speech, he emerged briefly to greet reporters, who were quick to ask him about the impeachment proceedings in Washington.

Mr. Trump said he was looking forward to meeting fellow world leaders, and dismissed the trial in the U.S., as he often does, as “just a hoax,” adding that it was “just disgraceful.” White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told CBS News that Mr. Trump would “certainly receive briefings” on the impeachment process, which was due to begin in Washington around the time the president sits down for dinner with CEOs in Davos. 


How to watch

  • What: President Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum
  • Date: January 21, 2020 
  • Time: 5:30 a.m. ET 
  • Location: Davos, Switzerland 
  • Online stream: Live on CBSN – in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device

Asked about his administration’s often-criticized environmental policy, Mr. Trump said he was “a big believer in the environment. The environment to me is very important,” before turning and walking back behind closed doors ahead of his formal address.

The president used his opening speech to take credit for putting “the United states is in the midst of an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before.”

“America is thriving, America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before,” Mr Trump said, before lauding the trade deals his administration has reached with China and Canada and Mexico. He said America owed its economic advances to his administration’s “whole new approach” which he said was focused on helping American workers, along with slashing taxes and regulations.

The president focused entirely on the U.S. economy in the first part of his speech to the gathered political, business and NGO leaders from around the world, giving the impression that, even abroad, he was focused firmly on his fight to win reelection later in the year.

Mr. Trump then noted the tense negotiations his administration had undergone with China, but lauded his personal relationship with premier Xi Jinping which he said had not been affected.  

The president repeatedly urged the world to abandon pessimism, which he said was not a productive thought process. After touting U.S. air and water as being cleaner than ever, he announced that his administration would sign onto an international initiative to plant 1 trillion trees.

He said that was part of his government’s plan to show “strong leadership” in “better managing our forests.”

Mr. Trump ended on a note of nostalgic optimism, noting France’s plan to rebuild the scorched roof of Notre Dame Cathedral, and saying all the cathedrals of Europe teach humanity to think big, ambitiously, and “boldly seize the day and embrace the moment.” 

During his time in Davos, the president is expected to meet with world leaders including Iraqi President Barham Salih; Imran Khan, the President of Pakistan; Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission; Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan region and Simonetta Sommaruga, the President of the Swiss Confederation.

Last year, the president canceled his trip to Davos due to the government shutdown. 

Mr. Trump has faced criticism from allies over his decision to kill Iranian military general Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike in Iraq. The president has defended the strike, which he authorized months before it took place. 

Back on Capitol Hill, the Senate is preparing for the president’s impeachment trial, which is expected to begin at 1 p.m. The president’s attorneys insist the articles of impeachment are invalid, and that House Democrats’ definition of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress don’t constitute impeachable offenses. 

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