'Put your country FIRST!' Donald Trump unveils aim to CRUSH globalisation at Davos
DONALD Trump, US President, encouraged world leaders to put their countries first as he seeks to square his “America First” agenda with globalism during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
President Trump tells world leaders to 'put your country first'
The US President told leaders of world business he is "helping Americans find their path to the American dream - a great job, safe home and a better life for their children" during his keynote address at the Swiss ski resort of Davos this afternoon.
He said: "The world is witnessing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America.
"There has never been a better time to do business in America. America is open for business, and we are competitive once again.
"I believe in America - as president of the US I will always put America first, just like the leaders of other countries should put their country first, also.
As president of the US I will always put America first, just like the leaders of other countries should put their country first
"But America First does not mean America alone. When the US grows, so does the world."
He 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.”
Mr Trump's hailed economic growth in America since he entered office, saying: "After years of stagnation the United States is once again experiencing strong economic growth.
"Consumer confidence, business confidence and manufacturing confidence are the highest they have ever been in many decades."
He also criticised nations for exploiting free trade, saying: "The US will no longer turn a blind eye to unfair economic trade practices," adding that free trade needs to be "fair and it needs to reciprocal."
In an apparent swipe at Nato, he said:"To make the world safer from rogue regimes, terrorism, and revisionist powers, we are asking our friends and allies to invest in their own defences and to meet their financial obligations.
"Our common security requires everyone to to pay their fair share."
Traditionally, American presidents do not usually attend Davos - but this year President Trump decided to jet in to make the final keynote speech where he delivered his “America First” message.
He is the first US president to attend Davos since Bill Clinton in 2000, which gave him a chance to mingle with the same elite "globalists" he bashed in the 2016 election campaign.
The US leader urged world nations to work together towards "shared goals and shared dreams".
Mr Trump ended his speech by paying tribute to "hard-working people" in countries across the world.
He said: "Let us send our love and our gratitude to them, because they make our countries run, they make our country great."
Speaking about North Korea, he urged for "maximum pressure to de-nuke the Korean peninsula", adding his support to "block Iran's path to develop a nuclear weapon".
Head of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, told world leaders: "After you have been so warmly received yesterday here in Davos it now my great pleasure to officially welcome the President of the US
"Mr President you cannot imagine how much we are looking forward to your speech.. not just 3,000 leaders assembled here in Davos but also the millions joining us globally."
"Mr President on behalf of the business leaders, let me congratulate you for your historic tax reform package passed last month, greatly reducing the tax burden of US companies."
Arriving alongside Mr Schwab earlier today, Mr Trump told reporters gathering this morning that his message would be about "peace and prosperity".
Donald Trump said: "My message is peace and prosperity. That's what we have. And we have a tremendous crowd. A crowd like they've never had before.
"Klaus has actually told me this is a crowd like they have never had before in Davos, including all of you people like they've never had before."
He joked: "So that's good. I assume they're here because of Klaus."
President Trump: America is OPEN for business
Mr Schwab quipped: "No, they're there for him. He's a great guest here."
Mr Trump told reporters he thought his message would be "very well-received", adding: "The United States is doing fantastically well.
"Better than we've done in decades. The stock markets are incredible. Businesses are coming back into the United States.
"I think it's going to be a great message that people are going to like hearing."