Trump's Swiss Visit: Promoting Achievements Instead of Impeachment Criticism

Attended World Economic Forum After 2 Years to Promote Economic Achievements
Minimized Criticism of Impeachment
Counterstrategy to Promote Achievements Aligned with Senate Impeachment Hearings Start

U.S. President Donald Trump is delivering the keynote speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos, Switzerland. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump devoted great effort to promoting his achievements during his European visit ahead of the start of the Senate impeachment trial against him.

On the 21st (local time), President Trump delivered a relatively calm keynote speech at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (WEF, Davos Forum) held in Davos, Switzerland. Even just hours before the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump began, he spent most of his speech praising his achievements rather than sharply criticizing the impeachment. This was the first overseas schedule Trump undertook since the House of Representatives passed the impeachment resolution at the end of last year.

In his speech, President Trump described the economic improvement in the U.S. as nothing less than a "spectacular show," saying, "The time for skepticism is over." He went on to claim that he played a leading role in the recent smooth sailing of the global economy, stating, "America's growth means the world's growth."

President Trump said, "I am proud to declare that America stands in the midst of an economic boom the world has never seen before," emphasizing, "America is thriving and prospering. America is winning again," citing the decrease in unemployment rates and record-high stock prices. He also joked that people should have bought stocks of U.S. companies whose stock prices have risen significantly.

Among his recent greatest achievements are the Phase One trade agreement with China and the conclusion of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which he proudly mentioned as trade negotiation successes. He also stressed his firm stance on responding decisively to unfair trade practices and intellectual property rights violations.

He was also proactive in attracting investment for the revival of American manufacturing, which he has advocated. President Trump explained the reason for his Davos trip, saying, "I will meet with leaders of the world's largest companies to bring them here (to the U.S.)."

President Trump's demeanor this day was far from the one two years ago at the Davos Forum, where he shook the event by emphasizing America First. While his speech back then was threatening, this time the focus was on promoting achievements.

Reflecting this, President Trump minimized mentions of impeachment in his speech. When reporters asked about the Senate impeachment trial held that day, he only then referred to it as a "complete fraud."

Recently, President Trump's major activities have been intertwined with the impeachment process. The signing ceremony for the Phase One trade agreement with China held on the 15th was timed to coincide with the House's transmission of the impeachment articles to the Senate. President Trump appears to be trying to block the impeachment process with his rhetoric and events.

The New York Times described this by saying, "President Trump headed to Davos to deliver a counterpunch to the impeachment."

AP News reported that President Trump's visit to Davos will put to the test his ability to balance anger over impeachment with the desire to demonstrate international leadership.