Introduction to the World Economic Forum Incident
The World Economic Forum in Davos was recently disrupted by an unusual and tense moment. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde reportedly walked out of a high-profile dinner during remarks sharply critical of Europe by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. According to multiple sources, the incident escalated into heckling and walkouts, prompting hosts to abruptly end the event before dessert was served.
The Incident Unfolds
The dinner took place on Tuesday night during the 56th annual WEF meeting and was attended by hundreds of global leaders, executives, and policymakers. Sources familiar with the matter said Christine Lagarde left the room as Howard Lutnick delivered a passage of “heavy criticism” aimed at Europe, comments that reportedly drew audible jeers from attendees. The situation grew so tense that BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who hosted the dinner in his role as WEF co-chair, decided to call off the evening early as guests began to leave.
Reactions to the Incident
Roughly a couple of hundred invitees — including heads of state and senior business leaders — were present at the dinner. Neither the European Central Bank nor the U.S. Department of Commerce offered immediate comment, while the World Economic Forum also declined to respond. The disruption did not go unnoticed, with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore among those who voiced displeasure at Howard Lutnick’s remarks. Witnesses described the atmosphere as “tense,” “noisy,” and “spicy,” as Howard Lutnick reportedly dismissed European policies and argued that coal should take precedence over renewable energy.
Al Gore’s Reaction
Al Gore was later reported to have listened without interrupting and to have reacted openly at the end of the speech. “It’s no secret that I think this administration’s energy policy is insane,” Al Gore said, adding that several others shared his reaction. The U.S. Department of Commerce pushed back, claiming Gore was the only person who booed.
A Wider Rift Between Europe and Washington
The incident underscored broader transatlantic tensions, particularly on energy, climate policy, and geopolitics. Europe has strongly opposed President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, a NATO territory, a topic that has dominated conversations in Davos this week. Trump addressed the forum the following day, calling for “immediate negotiations” over Greenland while insisting he would not use force. Still, his remarks did little to calm European unease. Gore later quipped that he “would hate to be the fact checker” assigned to Trump’s speech.
Conclusion
The incident at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlights the growing tensions between Europe and Washington. The walkout by Christine Lagarde and the reaction of Al Gore symbolize Europe’s frustration with the tone and substance of Washington’s messaging. As the forum continues, the episode serves as a reminder that global diplomacy can be contentious, even behind closed doors. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the future of transatlantic relations and the role of the United States in global affairs.
