Davos, Switzerland – As US President Donald Trump arrives in Davos on the first anniversary of his second term, amid escalating trade threats against Europe, Greenpeace warns that the World Economic Forum (WEF) is once again giving a platform to policies that deepen climate chaos, economic instability and inequality.

Clara Thompson, European Lead Campaigner at Greenpeace Germany said:

“Trump’s visit exposes the contradiction at the heart of Davos. Leaders who abandon climate action, threaten economic confrontation and deepen inequality are treated as global leaders, while the costs are pushed onto everyone else. After years of Trump-style politics, we know what happens when extreme wealth runs the show: democracy, climate action and equality are always the first to lose.”

Thompson said Trump’s presence reflects a broader shift toward billionaire-driven politics, reinforced by the World Economic Forum’s own Global Risks Report 2026, which warns of escalating geo-economic confrontation and climate breakdown, while failing to confront the role of extreme wealth and corporate power driving both.

“Trump’s presidency shows what happens when billionaire power goes unchecked. Big tech, fossil fuel interests and powerful political leaders shape global decisions without democratic accountability — and forums like Davos continue to legitimise this model. The WEF is quick to name global risks, but it refuses to look in the mirror and confront the actors fuelling them,” Thompson added.

Thompson stressed Europe must respond to rising tensions with the US by reducing dangerous dependencies. This should begin with the withdrawal of the pledge to purchase USD 750 billion worth of US energy, as well as the ending of all additional agreements to purchase US liquefied gas.

“Doubling down on US fossil gas and unregulated tech monopolies is a strategic mistake. Instead of deeper reliance on billionaire driven power politics, Europe needs energy independence, strong regulation of big tech and fair global tax rules.”

Greenpeace calls on governments to support the UN-led Tax Convention negotiations, arguing that none of the risks discussed in Davos can be solved without systemic reforms of global tax rules that should include making the super-rich and corporate polluters pay their fair share.[1] 

ENDS

Notes: 

[1] Media briefing: UN Tax Convention 

Contacts:

Clara Thompson, European lead campaigner, Fair Share project, Greenpeace Germany: +49 1758530226, [email protected]

Christine Gebeneter, European communications lead, Fair Share project, Greenpeace Austria: +43 664 8403807, [email protected]

Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]