Slate News Slate Money - Davos is So Back
Jan 24, 2026
A roundup of why Davos feels newly influential this year and how in-person meetings accelerate policy coordination. A look at how Trump’s presence shifted agendas and the tone around affordability. A debate about AI hiring tools and a lawsuit pushing for auditability under consumer protection rules. Light cultural notes on films, awards, and quirky travel trivia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
WEF Themes Often Symbolic, Not Substantive
- WEF themes are largely symbolic, but post-Schwab organizers prioritized business over high-minded panels.
- Felix Salmon notes the event dropped some of its previous self-parody to focus on influence and deals.
The Infamous Davos "Refugee Run"
- Felix Salmon recounts the "refugee run" as a peak of Davos performative activism that few actually did.
- He uses it to show how Davos once veered into self-parody before refocusing.
Affordability Talk Was Largely Rhetoric
- Trump mentioned affordability at Davos but offered few concrete international solutions, reflecting domestic focus.
- Felix Salmon and Elizabeth Spiers call his remarks largely rhetorical and politically targeted.