US Commerce Secy Howard Lutnick heckled at Davos dinner after ECB chief Lagarde walks out over Europe criticism
Tensions flared at a WEF dinner in Davos as Howard Lutnick’s speech questioning Europe’s competitiveness drew heckling and prompted ECB chief Christine Lagarde to leave mid-event.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was heckled during a dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos after European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde walked out mid-event, according to media reports.
The incident took place on Tuesday night (January 20) at a private dinner hosted by BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who is also a co-chairman of the WEF. The gathering was attended by heads of state, senior policymakers and leading business executives.
Lutnick’s remarks spark backlash
Lutnick faced heckling from guests while delivering his remarks, as per reports. Reports also said that Lagarde left the dinner during a portion of Lutnick’s speech that was sharply critical of Europe.
According to reports, the comments triggered audible disapproval from the audience, with some guests heckling as the speech continued. Lagarde exited shortly thereafter, and several attendees were seen leaving the venue.
Dinner called off early
Following the disruption, Fink reportedly decided to end the dinner early, calling it off before dessert was served.
The invitation-only dinner was attended by more than 100 senior policymakers and business leaders, with Lutnick scheduled as the final speaker. Reports said his remarks belittled European economies and questioned their competitiveness compared with the United States.
On Wednesday morning, Lagarde told RTL radio that the world was entering “a new world order,” criticising threats over Greenland and the use of tariffs.
“Threatening to take a territory like Greenland that is not for sale, and brandishing tariffs and restrictions on global trade, isn’t really behaving like an ally,” she said.
Trump warns Europe is heading in “very bad directions”
Trump earlier in the day issued a strong warning to Europe, saying the continent is heading in “very bad directions,” as he addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Trump expressed concern over Europe’s trajectory, calling parts of the continent “not even recognisable” and stressing that it was moving in the wrong direction.
“I love Europe, and I want to see Europe go good,” Trump said. “But it’s not heading in the right direction.”
He added: “Europe is going in some bad directions. It's very bad, very bad for the people. We don't want Europe to change so much. They're going in some very bad directions.”
Greenland overshadows Davos visit
Trump’s appearance at Davos was also marked by his renewed push for US control of Greenland — a stance that has drawn alarm from NATO allies and European leaders. Analysts and officials have warned that Trump’s approach could strain transatlantic relations.
Tensions over Ukraine and Russia
The President’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the US and Europe over plans to end the war in Ukraine. European officials fear Washington could pressure Kyiv to cede territory to Russia, adding to concerns about the US-European alliance.