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Diplomatic Incident at Davos: US Commerce Secretary Heckled, Lagarde Walks Out

Published January 21, 2026, 19:19
Diplomatic Incident at Davos: US Commerce Secretary Heckled, Lagarde Walks Out

A diplomatic incident unfolded at the World Economic Forum in Davos following remarks by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding globalization and the policies of Donald Trump. Lutnick accused globalization of failing the West and the United States, sparking strong reactions and heckling from attendees. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde walked out of the dinner in protest. The situation has worsened US-EU relations due to Trump's threat of imposing tariffs to 'acquire' Greenland. The US Commerce Department and the World Economic Forum have yet to comment on the incident.