ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: Davos

  • Bill Gates Acknowledges Responsibility for Epstein Ties, Foundation Says

    Bill Gates Acknowledges Responsibility for Epstein Ties, Foundation Says

    Bill Gates addressed his connections to Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall with employees at the Gates Foundation, publicly accepting responsibility for his actions, according to a spokesperson for the organization. The foundation’s representative responded to a Wall Street Journal report, which claimed Gates apologized to staff for his association with Epstein.

    Records obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Gates and Epstein had multiple meetings after Epstein’s incarceration, primarily to discuss expanding Gates’ philanthropic initiatives. Gates told employees that spending time with Epstein and involving foundation executives in meetings with him was a serious mistake. He expressed regret over this misjudgment in the town hall, stating, “I apologize to others who have been affected by my mistake.”

    Gates also disclosed having had two affairs with Russian women, which Epstein later learned about. He insisted that these affairs did not involve Epstein’s victims, asserting, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”

    The DOJ released photographs showing Gates with women whose faces are blacked out; Gates has previously stated that his interactions with Epstein were solely related to philanthropic discussions and acknowledged that meeting Epstein was a mistake. During the town hall, Gates explained that the photos were taken at Epstein’s request after their meetings. He emphasized, “To be clear, I never spent any time with victims or the women around Epstein.”

    The Gates Foundation confirmed that Gates held the town hall and answered questions regarding the Epstein files. They emphasized that Gates was candid about his previous actions and took responsibility. The foundation also reaffirmed that it never provided financial support to Epstein or employed him.

    Recently, Gates withdrew from the AI Impact Summit in India just hours before delivering his scheduled keynote. Founded in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife, the Gates Foundation is among the largest global funders of health and development projects worldwide.

  • Trump Declares US Won’t Use Force to Acquire Greenland

    Trump Declares US Won’t Use Force to Acquire Greenland

    At the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) gathering in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump took part in the event.

    He minimized the Greenland issue, describing it as a “small ask,” and emphasized that no other country is in a position to acquire Greenland, asserting, “No nation or group of nations is able to secure Greenland except the United States.” Trump stated, “I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”

    In his speech, Trump clarified that force would not be used, saying, “People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.” This declaration was made amidst growing concerns over his interest in Greenland, which has strained alliances, including NATO.

    He downplayed the significance of Greenland, calling it a “piece of ice,” and reassured that any potential acquisition would not threaten NATO, which includes Denmark and the U.S.

    Trump also criticized Canada, suggesting that the nation should be “grateful” to the U.S., a day after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed concerns about a divide in the U.S.-led global system. Trump remarked, “I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful,” referencing Carney’s speech, which received a rare standing ovation at Davos. He added, “Canada exists because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make statements.”

    Regarding international conflicts, Trump mentioned plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ending the war with Russia. He criticized NATO’s involvement, stating, “I’m dealing with President Putin, and he wants to make a deal, I believe. I’m dealing with President Zelensky, and I think he wants to make a deal. I’m meeting him today.” Trump also claimed that NATO has no role in Ukraine’s situation, stating, “We have nothing to do with it.”

    Zelensky, however, has not confirmed plans to attend Davos, having previously indicated he would skip the forum to manage ongoing blackouts, heating outages, and power cuts following Russian missile strikes.

  • What caused Trump’s plane to turn back during Davos flight?

    What caused Trump’s plane to turn back during Davos flight?

    A White House staff member looks back at Air Force One while boarding a replacement plane, also designated Air Force One, after making an unscheduled return landing due to an electrical issue identified mid-flight en route to Davos, Switzerland, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, January 20, 2026. — Reuters

    Late Tuesday, shortly after leaving for Switzerland, President Donald Trump’s aircraft had to return to an air base due to a minor electrical problem, the White House confirmed.

    Out of caution, Air Force One was redirected back to Joint Base Andrews, with the landing occurring shortly after 11:00 pm (0400 GMT), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

    Traveling with Trump, journalists reported a brief power outage in the cabin following takeoff.

    Trump and his team switched planes at Joint Base Andrews and took off again around 0500 GMT, approximately two and a half hours after the initial departure.

    Recognizable by its blue and white colors, Air Force One is considered one of the most iconic airplanes globally and a symbol of the U.S. presidency.

    Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the current Air Force One jets—two modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft that have been in service since 1990, during President George H.W. Bush’s administration.

    Last year, Trump indicated his administration was exploring alternatives to Boeing after delays in delivering two new 747-8 planes.

    In May, Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar for Trump’s use as Air Force One.

    This aircraft, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, has sparked significant constitutional, ethical, and security concerns, especially regarding the use of a foreign-donated plane for the president’s most sensitive travel.


  • Europe promises strong stance over Trump’s Greenland claims

    Europe promises strong stance over Trump’s Greenland claims

    European leaders clearly addressed Greenland on Tuesday, pledging an unwavering response to U.S. threats, even as President Donald Trump indicated he was open to a meeting in Davos to discuss his plans regarding the autonomous Danish territory.

    Ahead of his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump responded cryptically when asked about the extent of his actions, saying, “You’ll find out.” He also expressed optimism about his upcoming talks, stating, “We have a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland, and I think things will turn out pretty well.”

    At the forum, leaders united in their stance against Trump’s increasingly assertive “America First” approach. Greenland’s Prime Minister warned that with a population of just 57,000, military force might have to be considered. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, cautioned that Trump’s actions risked causing US-EU relations to spiral downward. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized efforts to subjugate Europe and called Trump’s threats to impose tariffs up to 25% on countries opposing his Greenland initiative “unacceptable.”

    Previously, Trump insisted that Greenland was vital for security reasons, posting on Truth Social, “There can be no going back — everyone agrees on that.” His demand to gain control of Greenland has challenged the transatlantic alliance, prompting Europe to contemplate retaliation plans amid warnings from Washington that retaliatory tariffs would be unwise.

    U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advised European nations to keep tensions low, while trade envoy Jamieson Greer emphasized that using trade “bazookas” would be unwise. Von der Leyen condemned proposed US tariffs as a “mistake,” warning they could trigger a destabilizing spiral that benefits America’s adversaries. She vowed that Europe’s response would be “unflinching, united, and proportionate.”

    Trump continued his Greenland campaign on Truth Social, describing a “very good” phone call with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, during which they agreed to meet with various parties in Davos. However, former NATO leader Anders Fogh Rasmussen warned that Trump’s actions could lead to the gravest crisis in NATO’s history, stating that the era of flattery toward the US is over.

    Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen acknowledged that military action was “unlikely,” but not impossible, emphasizing that Greenland’s membership in NATO means any escalation could have global consequences. Trump claims his interest in Greenland stems from security concerns related to Russian and Chinese threats, even though the US already maintains a base there.

    An emergency NATO summit on Greenland is scheduled for Thursday in Brussels.

    Other international leaders at the WEF expressed their views, including Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who criticized global privileges based on self-interest, condemning a “law of the jungle.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for Canada to bolster its international standing, noting the shift from reliance on U.S. dominance to defending a stable global order.

    Key global issues on the agenda include crises in Venezuela, Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine. Despite Europe ramping up defense spending and seeking U.S. support to end the Ukraine conflict and deter Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the Greenland controversy might distract attention during wartime. French President Macron proposed a G7 summit in Paris to discuss Greenland and Ukraine, but later clarified that no such meeting was scheduled, and Trump indicated he would not participate.

    Meanwhile, Russia’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev plans to meet with U.S. representatives in Davos, marking the first such encounter since Russia was barred following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

  • What’s the Truth Beneath the Surface?

    What’s the Truth Beneath the Surface?

    French President Emmanuel Macron gained attention at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos when he stepped onto the stage wearing eye-catching aviator sunglasses on Tuesday. Macron has been dealing with an eye issue he describes as “completely harmless.” He chose to wear sunglasses during his speech to safeguard his eyes after experiencing a burst blood vessel, according to the Élysée Palace.

    A few days earlier, Macron addressed the topic publicly after being seen sporting sunglasses during an outdoor troop review at a military base in Istres, in southern France. During his remarks, he apologetically mentioned his appearance, saying, “Please excuse the unsightly look of my eye. It’s entirely harmless.” He added with a hint of humor, “Just a little nod to the ‘Eye of the Tiger’… For those who recognize the reference, it’s a sign of resilience,” referencing the 1982 hit song by Survivor featured in the movie Rocky III.

    At Davos, Macron adopted a more assertive stance on global issues. “We prefer respect over bullies,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law over violence. He criticized the United States’ ongoing imposition of new tariffs, calling it “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when used as leverage against other nations’ sovereignty.

    Macron urged the European Union to stand firm against “the law of the strongest,” labeling it “crazy” that the bloc is considering deploying its anti-coercion measures against the U.S. His comments followed threats from Donald Trump to levy steep tariffs on French wine and champagne and the leaking of private messages exchanged between Macron and Trump—an unusual breach of diplomatic protocol. Trump shared screenshots of the message thread on his social media platform, Truth Social.

    In the messages, Macron expressed confusion over Trump’s actions regarding Greenland and proposed hosting a G7 summit with Russia and other nations. Neither Trump nor Macron’s aides specified when these messages were exchanged. Trump also announced plans to escalate tariffs on European allies, including France, starting February 1, unless the U.S. gains access to Greenland—moves that many EU leaders have condemned as diplomatic blackmail.

  • Macron Shuts Down Bully Tactics After Trump’s Remarks

    Macron Shuts Down Bully Tactics After Trump’s Remarks

    French President Emmanuel Macron stated Tuesday that Europe refuses to submit to bullies or be easily shaken, sharply criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to slap heavy tariffs if Europe doesn’t permit his plans to take control of Greenland.

    While most European leaders have maintained a cautious tone to prevent the transatlantic confrontation from escalating, Macron responded forcefully.

    “France and Europe will not passively accept the law of the strongest,” Macron declared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, adding that yielding would amount to their “vassalization.” Instead, he affirmed that Europe will uphold its sovereignty and the rule of law, despite a perceived global drift toward lawlessness. This stance could lead the EU to impose its own significant trade sanctions.

    “We prefer respect over bullying,” Macron emphasized. “And we prioritize the rule of law over brute force.” During his speech, Macron wore aviator sunglasses, which his office explained was to protect his eyes from a burst blood vessel.

    This speech followed Trump’s threat to impose hefty tariffs on French wine and champagne and his decision to leak a private message from Macron—an unusual breach of diplomatic protocol. Trump had previously announced plans to increase tariffs starting February 1 against several European allies, including France, until the U.S. gains access to Greenland, a move strongly opposed by major EU countries, who condemned it as blackmail.

    Macron condemned the ongoing U.S. escalation of tariffs as “fundamentally unacceptable,” especially when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.

    The European Union is convening an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday evening to discuss the Greenland issue. The EU had previously suspended tariffs on €93 billion worth of U.S. goods after a trade agreement in summer, but those could be reimposed as early as February 6.

    Macron has also urged the EU to consider activating its Anti-Coercion Instrument, informally dubbed the “trade bazooka,” which could restrict U.S. companies’ participation in EU public procurement or limit trade in services like technology platforms. He called the current situation “crazy.”

    The relationship between Trump and Europe has significantly deteriorated, especially after Trump’s push to claim sovereignty over Greenland, an Arctic island and NATO member Denmark, unsettling European industries and rattling financial markets. Additionally, Trump expressed annoyance over France’s hesitation to join a proposed new international organization, the Board of Peace, which Trump plans to lead. France worries about its potential impact on the United Nations.

    When asked about Macron’s stance on the Board of Peace, Trump joked that he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes to compel Macron to join, though Macron does not have to.

    Later, Trump shared on his social media a screenshot of an exchange with Macron, which a source close to Macron confirmed as authentic. In the message, Macron expressed confusion over Trump’s Greenland strategy and proposed hosting a G7 meeting including Russia and others. The timing of those messages was not disclosed.

    Macron has no plans to stay in Davos beyond Tuesday, as Trump arrives. Macron explained, “I don’t need to change my schedule,” and noted he had planned to leave that evening.

    Since becoming president in 2017, Macron’s relationship with Trump has fluctuated — sometimes friendly, sometimes more confrontational. French officials defend Macron’s direct engagement with Trump, saying they often communicate through informal calls and texts outside official diplomatic channels. Macron’s aides believe Trump targets him because Macron stands up for democratic principles.

    “Ahead of resisting, France becomes a target,” said Macron associate Pieyre-Alexandre Langlade.

  • Davos 2025: Shaping Conversations for the Smart Era

    Davos 2025: Shaping Conversations for the Smart Era

    Alvaro Lario, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), emphasizes the urgent need to address the global issues at hand. He notes, “Current global instability signs, such as forced migration, increasing food prices, and accelerated climate change, pose serious threats to our stability and food security.”

    He calls on world leaders gathered in Davos to prioritize investments in rural regions to generate employment opportunities for young people, stabilize food supplies, and support small-scale farmers in adapting to climate challenges.

    Lario insists, “We need to harness the tools of the digital age to ensure that emerging technologies benefit everyone, especially marginalized communities. If we fall behind, we risk worsening global development challenges, which could lead to increased hunger and conflict.”

    Building Trust

    This theme at the forum explores ways to promote collaboration for developing solutions on a global scale and in local neighborhoods. With nearly 100 speakers scheduled to participate in 25 sessions, attendees can anticipate a wealth of innovative ideas to emerge.