An exclusive, invitation only dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos unraveled into a diplomatic spectacle Tuesday night after remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sharply criticizing Europe provoked open backlash from the audience. Among those who reportedly left the room in protest was Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), underscoring the depth of transatlantic unease.
According to Reuters, which cited individuals familiar with the episode, Lutnick used his dinner address to deliver a forceful critique of Europe’s economic and trade policies. His comments were met with audible boos and interruptions from guests, breaking with the normally restrained decorum that characterizes Davos gatherings. Lagarde is said to have exited the hall during one particularly pointed segment of the speech, followed soon after by other attendees.
The dinner was hosted by BlackRock Chief Executive Larry Fink in his capacity as co-chair of the World Economic Forum. Several hundred influential figures were present, including heads of state, senior ministers, central bank officials, and global business leaders. As the atmosphere grew increasingly tense and divided, Fink made the decision to bring the evening to an abrupt close, ending the event before dessert was served.
Britain’s Independent, also citing participants, confirmed that Lagarde left the room as criticism of Europe intensified. One guest described the mood as “exceptionally charged,” suggesting that the breakdown of the event reflected broader strains in U.S.–European relations rather than a single provocative speech.
The European Central Bank declined to comment on the incident. Neither the U.S. Commerce Department nor the World Economic Forum offered immediate responses to Reuters’ inquiries, leaving the episode officially unaddressed.
The diplomatic tension carried over into the following day, when U.S. President Donald Trump once again courted controversy in his Davos address. Trump reiterated his longstanding call for Greenland to become part of the United States, saying he had no intention of using force, but adding that the U.S. would be “unstoppable” if military action were ever pursued. He also criticized Denmark as “ungrateful,” pointing to America’s role in protecting Greenland during World War II.
Together, the events cast a long shadow over this year’s Davos meeting, highlighting growing fractures in the transatlantic alliance at a time of mounting global uncertainty.
