The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
US is open for business, Trump tells world leaders
Every country benefits from growth in the US, says President
Donald Trump yesterday told political and business leaders that America is open for business under his leadership and that economic growth in the US also benefits the rest of the world.
The US President told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that American prosperity has created countless jobs around the world, but stressed that his priority would always remain with his “America First” policy protecting interests within his nation’s borders.
“As President of the United States, I will always put America first, just as the leaders of other countries should put their countries first,” he said.
But he tried to strike a balance, tempering his nationalist agenda with reassurances to the globalist and cooperation-minded audience that his protectionist vision “does not mean America alone”.
“When the United States grows, so does the world,” Mr Trump said.
“American prosperity has created countless jobs around the globe and the drive for excellence, creativity and innovation in the United States has led to important discoveries that help people everywhere live more prosperous and healthier lives.”
As forum chairman Klaus Schwab introduced Mr Trump, he drew some hisses when he said the President could be subject to “misconceptions and biased interpretations”.
When Mr Trump took the stage, he received modest applause but some people kept their hands at their sides.
The crowd was largely subdued as the President spoke, but there were boos when he took a swipe at the media.
Mr Trump showcased the country’s roaring economy and made a pitch to the world leaders that “America is open for business and we are competitive once again”.
The gathering had viewed him with scepticism, given his “America First” message, but the White House has insisted his protectionist policies and international cooperation can go handin-hand.
As if making a salesman’s pitch, he repeatedly boasted about his nation’s economy and pushed for international cooperation to combat terrorism.
But he left unaddressed a number of concerns for the globalist community, including climate change, the fate of refugees and diplomatic solutions for a number of the world’s hot spots, including the Middle East.