Following a strenuous journey marred with mechanical setbacks on Air Force One, President Donald Trump, aged 79, arrived in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum on January 21, 2026. The president’s fatigue was visible as he descended the aircraft’s stairs, signaling the toll of the demanding flight that was prolonged by nearly three hours.
The president’s journey began with an electrical glitch on Air Force One, which necessitated the aircraft’s return to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night, January 20. After changing planes, the president left again shortly after midnight, landing at Zurich Airport on Wednesday morning. He then continued his journey to Davos via helicopter to deliver his scheduled address to global leaders.
A video clip showed the president cautiously navigating the aircraft’s stairs, firmly holding onto the handrail and moving slowly towards the tarmac. From there, he boarded a helicopter for the final leg of his journey.
Further footage shared on social media by White House Communications Adviser Margo Martin revealed the president walking up a red carpet at the World Economic Forum venue. He seemed to be panting heavily and had difficulty maintaining a linear gait. This footage sparked immediate speculation about the president’s physical health after the arduous overnight trip.
The president’s participation in Davos followed an exceptionally busy period. On Monday night, he attended a college football championship game, staying up until past 2 a.m. On Tuesday, he held a 104-minute White House press briefing before embarking on his international journey.
During his address at the World Economic Forum, attendees noted that the president’s voice was raspy and he looked fatigued. Trump’s speech covered various topics, including trade policy and international relations.
The president’s apparent tiredness has led to concerns about his demanding schedule. Reports indicate that staff advised Trump to keep his eyes open during public events, while cabinet members have been encouraged to condense their presentations during meetings.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, and CNN’s Alayna Treene were among those who reported on the challenging circumstances of the trip.
Trump’s speech was also marked by a geographical mix-up. The president repeatedly referred to “Iceland” when he apparently meant Greenland, a mistake he made three times. This occurred as Trump persisted in threatening to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, a move that has strained relationships with European allies and raised queries about NATO unity.
Following the taxing international trip, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced a significant change in the president’s travel plans. Trump will now limit his international travel, focusing on domestic tours ahead of the November midterm elections.
Wiles disclosed aboard Air Force One that the president will visit a new city every week, outlining the new strategy that will see Trump traveling across the country rather than frequently going abroad.
The domestic tour schedule will include a trip to Iowa on Tuesday, January 27, where Trump plans to deliver a speech on economic issues. This shift signifies a change in priorities for an administration that initially intended to maintain a substantial international presence during its second term.
The decision to reduce international travel comes as the president faces increasing scrutiny over his physical endurance and mental sharpness. Critics have been closely observing his public appearances, looking for signs of fatigue or confusion.
During last Tuesday’s lengthy White House briefing, Trump digressed for several minutes, discussing his baseball career and mentioning mental institutions, specifically Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital.
The World Economic Forum in Davos is a significant event for American presidents, providing an opportunity to interact with global business leaders and foreign government officials. The annual meeting brings together heads of state, corporate executives, and international policymakers to discuss economic trends and global issues.
The technical issues that disrupted Air Force One added an unforeseen complication to an already challenging journey. While the decision to return to Washington and switch planes was a safety measure, it significantly disrupted the president’s rest schedule and added hours of additional travel time.
Focusing on domestic travel is a practical decision considering the president’s stamina and the upcoming midterm elections. It’s common for the party in power to face challenges during midterm elections, and Trump’s team seems to value direct engagement with American voters over international diplomacy during this crucial period.
The contrast between Trump’s weary movements in Davos and the energetic image he normally portrays on the campaign trail was evident. The visible signs of exhaustion provided critics with reasons to question whether the president can sustain the pace required for effective governance.
