President Donald Trump told world leaders and bigwigs gathered in Davos the U.S. was now 'open for business' – then promised his 'America First' agenda didn't mean the U.S. would go it alone.
But after an invest-in-America pitch that had lines that could have been cribbed from a governor's trade mission, Trump drew audible gasps from the crowd when he reached for his 'fake news' broadside against the press.
Trump vented in a brief question-and-answer session about 'how fake the press can be' then observed 'the cameras start going off in the back.' The line lead to gasps, 'oohs,' and even some boos from the crowd, who otherwise listened quietly to his remarks.
In his speech, Trump told business leaders: 'I believe in America. As President of the United States, I will always put America First. Just like the leaders of other countries should put their countries first. But America First does not mean America alone,' Trump said, in an excerpt released by the White House.
'We are all stronger when free, sovereign nations cooperate toward shared goals and they cooperate toward shared dreams,' the president said.
Trump spoke to world leaders on the second day of a trip to the global confab.
Before he addressed the conference in what was billed as a 'keynote' speech to an event he dominated by showing up, a large band of horns and winds took the stage.
'I am aware that your strong leadership is open to misconceptions and biased interpretations,' said World Economic Founder Klaus Schwab – a remark that drew some hisses in the crowd, who threw praise in Trump's direction several times Friday.
'Mr. President, you cannot imagine how much we are looking forward to your speech,' he said at the top, also singling out the new tax cut law for praise.
When Trump was done, he got muted applause from the seated crowd. Schwab thanked him for an 'inspiring speech.'
Earlier in the day, Trump declared the Davos crowd the biggest ever.
'We have a tremendous crowd ... It's a crowd like they've never had before at Davos. I assume they're here because of Klaus,' Trump quipped.
At the top of his remarks, Trump hailed the U.S. economy.
'The world is witnessing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America.
'There has never been a better time to hire, to build, to invest and to grow in the United States. America is open for business,' he said.
'The stock market is smashing one record after another,' Trump gushed.
'Now is the perfect time to bring your business, your jobs, and your investments to the United States,' Trump said.
'I am here today to represent the interests of the American People, and to affirm America’s friendship and partnership in building a better world. Like all nations represented at this forum, America hopes for a future in which everyone can prosper, and every child can grow up free from violence, poverty, and fear,' Trump was to tell the crowd.
'The world is witnessing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America…There has never been a better time to hire, to build, to invest and to grow in the United States. AMERICA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND WE ARE COMPETITIVE ONCE AGAIN.'
Trump went after bureaucrats who he said have undue influence.
'Believe me we have them all over the place,' to a crowd that stayed mostly silent during his remarks.
He went after 'unelected bureaucrats' who enact changes 'with no vote, no legislative debate.'
'In America, those days are over,' he said.
'I believe in America. As President of the United States, I will always put America First. Just like the leaders of other countries should put their countries first also. But America First does not mean America alone.'
'When the United States grows, so does the world. 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 said.
'We will enforce our trade laws and restore integrity to the trading system. Only by insisting on fair and reciprocal trade can we create a system that works not just for the United States but for all nations,' he said.
'The United Sates is prepared to negotiate mutually beneficial bilateral trade relations with all countries,' he said.
To be successful, it is not enough to invest in our economy – we must invest in OUR PEOPLE. When people are forgotten, the world becomes fractured. Only by hearing and responding to the voices of the forgotten can we create a bright future that is truly shared by all.
On immigratino, Trum said: 'We are also securing our immigration system as a matter of both national and economic security. America is a cutting-edge economy, but our immigration system is stuck in the past. We must replace our current system of extended-family chain migration with a merit-based system of admissions that selects new arrivals based on their ability to contribute to our economy, to support themselves financially and to strengthen our country.'
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