Musk Makes First Davos Appearance After Years Criticizing WEF
Elon Musk made his first appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026. This event marks a notable change for Musk, a billionaire renowned for his critiques of the annual gathering of elites.
Musk’s Unexpected Attendance
His presence at the WEF is significant, as he has long been an outspoken critic of the forum. Musk has labeled the event as elitist and disconnected from the concerns of ordinary people. He has used his platform on X, formerly known as Twitter, to deride the WEF as “boring” and a form of “unelected world government.”
Key Participants and Discussions
Musk was scheduled to join a panel alongside Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, at 1530 GMT. Their discussions are expected to focus on various global issues, including technology and communications.
- Date: January 22, 2026
- Location: Davos, Switzerland
- Panel Time: 1530 GMT
- Notable Attendee: Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock
Musk’s Ongoing Global Influence
Musk remains a pivotal figure in pressing global debates. His companies, particularly SpaceX, are instrumental in providing satellite internet to conflict zones. Additionally, he faces scrutiny for the sexualized images produced by Grok, a chatbot from his AI venture, xAI.
As the CEO of Tesla, Musk wields significant influence over technology and defense policy discussions in the U.S., a fact amplified by his past alignment with political figures like former President Donald Trump. His companies are of particular interest to government officials due to their impact on defense and communications.
Controversies Surrounding Musk
Musk’s attendance at the WEF raises questions about his previous stances. Critics argue that attending such an elite gathering contradicts his previous criticisms. His activities on his social media platform, X, regarding moderation policies have also sparked widespread debate over misinformation and hate speech.
As Musk navigates his complex relationship with the WEF, his participation could signal a new chapter in his engagement with global issues and elite forums. Only time will tell how this attendance will influence his ongoing projects and public perception.
