Trump Summons CEOs at Davos, Forcing Last-Minute Schedule Shakeups

Some chief executives traveling to Davos got an unexpected note on Monday: President Donald Trump had asked to meet with a group of corporate leaders after his planned World Economic Forum speech.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday evening, arrived without a public agenda and prompted corporate teams to rearrange schedules that had been set for months. Companies and advisers raced to decide who should attend and what to ask, particularly on trade and tariff policy.

Tim Walsh, Chair and CEO of KPMG US, told Semafor he hoped to attend: "Being in the room enables me to get that feedback" on what clients can expect on issues such as tariffs, though he added, "I’m not sure we’re getting new information."

Mr. Trump has dominated attention at Davos as he makes his second in-person appearance. Even last year, when he participated by videoconference, he became the focal point after convening CEOs for a staged Q&A that left some executives publicly embarrassed.

What began as boosterism in 2025 — when many corporate leaders applauded his promises of tax cuts and deregulation — has shifted toward cautious deference. Executives remain wary after recent tariff measures and controversial remarks about Greenland, which some fear could escalate geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. Many CEOs appear reluctant to pick fights they see little chance of winning.

Organizers expect roughly 850 chief executives at the forum this week, along with more than 100 corporate board chairs. The surprise meeting adds another layer of uncertainty to an already tightly scheduled Davos agenda.