President Donald Trump tells world leaders at Davos to 'put their own citizens first'

President Donald Trump spoke at the Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland about his "America First" agenda and encouraged other nations to adopt a similar nation-focused approach to economics and political relations around the world.

President Donald Trump took an opportunity to address world leaders on Tuesday to trumpet his “America First” agenda and encourage other nations to adopt a similar nation-focused approach to economics and political relations around the world.

“America’s newfound prosperity is undeniable, unprecedented and unmatched anywhere in the world,” Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, hours before his impeachment trial was set to begin in earnest back home. “America achieved this stunning turnaround not by making minor changes to a handful of policies, but by adopting a whole new approach centered entirely on the well-being of the American worker.”

“Every decision we make on taxes, trade, regulation, energy, immigration, education and more is focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans,” the president added. “Only when governments put their own citizens first will people be fully invested in their national futures.”

The multiday forum in Davos is an annual event where the globe’s most powerful political leaders and corporate executives share ideas in the Swiss Alps.

Much of Trump’s speech focused on the success the administration has seen while pursuing an “America First” policy, a set of guidelines that tries to benefit average Americans through economic policies such as trade protections or tax cuts.

The policy, which has led to fierce trade battles with longtime economic partners like China, the EU and Mexico, has accompanied better-than-expected GDP growth in the U.S. as well as an unemployment rate under 4% and consistent records in the stock market.

Though bilateral trade deliberations have roiled financial markets for the better part of two years, the White House reached two key trade deals last week that officials say will boost the economy and sent the S&P 500 above 3,300 for the first time ever.

The U.S. and China signed on Wednesday a “phase one” trade deal that officials say will lead to an increase in sales of American goods and services to Beijing and ease the two-year dispute between the globe’s two largest economies.

On Thursday, the Senate passed a new North American trade deal that grants U.S. producers greater access to Canadian dairy markets and creates stricter rules for auto parts rules of origin.

In his speech, the president also pointed to one of the administration’s biggest legislative wins, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the corporate tax rate to 21% and buoyed business profits for much of Trump’s presidency.

The administration argues that the promise of lower tax rates entices global businesses to shift more production to the U.S. and employ more Americans.

“Today I urge other nations to follow our example and liberate your citizens from the crushing weight of bureaucracy,” Trump said. “With that, you have to run your own countries the way you want.”

The president did not address ongoing trade deliberations with the EU or member nations despite reports that he and French President Emmanuel Macron reached an agreement in their dispute over digital taxes.

Trump’s speech came a day after the president’s legal team implored the Senate to reject the House’s two articles of impeachment against him. The third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history will begin later Tuesday.



Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide.

Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC
#CNBC TV

[sandraward]

I bet the global leaders we’re not expecting this speech!!!! ♥️ F the global elites

[jacksonaz]

In other words Trump is telling the WEF to pound sand. 😁🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[irishgamer]

This speech must of upset a lot of the globalists

[snowyrain]

you can almost feel the knives being sharpened while he's speaking...

[jasonf]

America will beg for Trump to come back. Get ready for the great reset.

[angeliquebartfield]

GOD BLESS OUR AMAZING BRILLIANT PRESIDENT TRUMP.

[MamaKalash]

The greatest moment in US history.
..in 200 years!

[billdai]

Telling all the little Emperors that they have no clothes. Courage on display!

[abeurakadabeura]

There are many things I disagree with Trump, but if I were American I would vote for him because he is the only one in politics who seem to be genuine.
He is a troll but doesn't pretend to not be one.

[davidfuller]

This is when the crap hit the fan. You can’t have a world leader that cares about his own citizens.

[gcdeegan]

Now I understand why he is being indicted

[jennasea]

What a different America we live in now. I hate Biden’s America 💔😭

[elhimxreynoso]

I don't agree with his behavior sometimes... but man, I LOVE what he has done for the US.

[LethalDynamicsX]

That's how you lose your job. Stick it to them in their own den.

[kaninchen]

As a result of his speech the virus was unleashed and the pandemic started

[JohnDoe-yhoh]

It’s march 2022, Biden supporters be like, oops

[bobbymac]

I’m surprised he survived that speech! His own party received 30 pieces of silver after this speech…

[nancychandler]

All I can say about Donald Trump is that he is a conundrum. When I listen to the speech, I know he loves the United States. All of these world leaders have to walk a fine line. Who knows what they know and what they’re thrown into when they take the office of President.

[Berniessen]

I am from the netherlands but i want this man back....with him this madness with russia and covid would not of americans make sure no more messing with the elections happens as last time...

[rpmvtecpower]

I do anything if trump came back and end this evil of great reset/ build back better. When I think back, they were the best days of our lifes