President: America first, but not alone
Trump tells Davos U.S. growth will help world
DAVOS, Switzerland — Playing the role of economic cheerleader, President Donald Trump told an annual gathering of political and business elites Friday that America is open for business and that economic growth in the U.S. under his “America first” agenda could benefit the globe.
Trump told the World Economic Forum in Davos that American prosperity has created countless jobs around the world, and he made clear he would remain focused on the U.S. economy.
But with a chamber of commerce-style pitch, the businessman-turned-president used the forum to sell the U.S. as a prime place to conduct business, noting the recent passage of a sweeping tax overhaul.
“America is the place to do business. So come to America, where you can innovate, create and build,” Trump said. “I believe in America.”
The president sought to strike a balance, tempering his nationalist agenda with reassurances to the globalist audience that his protectionist vision “does not mean America alone.”
“When the United States grows, so does the world,” 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.”
Trump addressed a crowd of more than 1,500 people packed into a high-ceilinged hall in the modern conference center. Anticipation was high from attendees, who had watched the president closely since he arrived, snapping photos when he entered and as he moved from room to room.
Jay Flatley, executive chairman of California-based genome sequencing company Illumina, said Trump’s speech was “a very calming presentation, considering how it could have gone.”
Meanwhile, Trump sought to mend relations Friday with a key African leader in the aftermath of his controversial comments about African nations, praising the U.S. partnership with Rwanda along the sidelines of the Davos forum.
Trump described having “tremendous discussions” with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is beginning a one-year term as head of the African Union, a 55-member continental body.
“It really, truly is a great honor,” Trump told Kagame, noting his role with the African Union.
Kagame said they had “good discussions” on economic and trade issues. He said the African Union is “looking forward to working with the United States.”