Violent protests occurred in several Swiss cities leading up to President Trump's arrival in Davos for the World Economic Forum. Demonstrators burned American flags, clashed with riot police, and caused property damage, including smashed windows.
The protests were a response to Trump's planned appearance at the summit, with demonstrators accusing Swiss authorities of legitimizing authoritarian politics. Police dispersed crowds using water cannons, chemical irritants, and rubber bullets, reporting that they were targeted with fireworks and hit by stones.
Similar demonstrations took place in other Swiss cities, including Bern and Zurich. Trump's visit and his earlier comments about potentially acquiring Greenland for U.
S. national security reasons have contributed to heightened tensions with European leaders. The World Economic Forum is a high-profile event attended by global leaders to discuss trade, security, and geopolitics, with trade tensions and the war in Ukraine expected to be key discussion points.