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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik attended the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland to deliver his America First message that “Globalization has failed.”
Footage of his Tuesday remarks was posted to YouTube by the New York Post, in which he stated, “The Trump administration and myself, we are here to make a very clear point, globalization has failed the West and the United States of America. It’s a failed policy.”
He criticized the WEF for supporting cheap labor and leaving Americans behind.
“America First is a different model, one that we encourage other countries to consider,” he added, noting that nations should protect their workers first and protect their borders in all elements of leadership, including energy and industry.
“You should not be dependent, for that which is fundamental to your sovereignty, on any other nation, and if you’re going to be dependent on someone, it darn well better be your best allies.”
He called out the WEF for doing whatever seems popular and asked, “Why would Europe agree to be net zero in 2030 when they don’t make a battery?” he then concluded, “So if they go 2030, they are deciding to be subservient to China who makes the batteries.
This comes at a time when Americans’ trust in global trade has decreased. According to a 2024 Pew Research Poll, 59 percent of Americans believe that the U.S. has lost more than it has gained in trade with other nations.
In addition, WEF leadership has recognized that public trust in its globalist organization is decreasing. WEF-co-chair and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink admitted during this year’s forum, “For many people this meeting feels out of step with the moment,” per Wide Awake Media.
At Davos, WEF co-chair and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink openly acknowledges that global "elites" have lost public trust, and now face an uncomfortable reality in an age of populism and "deep institutional mistrust".
— Wide Awake Media (@wideawake_media) January 20, 2026
"The world now places far less trust in us to help shape what comes… pic.twitter.com/jV1AcgTLwX
He recognized “deep institutional mistrust,” and even acknowledged that there is merit to people’s perceptions of globalist oligarchs. “The world now places far less trust in us to help shape what comes next. If the World Economic Forum is going to be useful going forward, it has to regain that trust.”
Secretary Lutnik’s comments signal a new focus for a new era, emphasizing the need for internal insight and for external partnerships grounded in good-faith practices.
