Representative Scott Perry and a group of Congressional Republicans introduced a measure called the “Defund Davos Act,” aimed at preventing U.S. federal government agencies from funding the World Economic Forum (WEF). Perry’s office criticized the WEF’s agenda, suggesting it goes against American interests and pushes global elitist objectives.
The proposed bill, just one page long, explicitly states that no funds from the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), or any other department or agency may be used to provide funding for the WEF. This move comes in the wake of the WEF’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which gathers global leaders and elite figures to discuss world governance and other global issues.
The 2024 Davos summit, themed “Rebuilding Trust,” was attended by approximately sixty global leaders and around 300 high-ranking government officials. The summit included representatives from various regimes, including Saudi Arabia and China, and aimed to persuade the global populace to support the objectives set by the world’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals.
The bill highlights concerns about U.S. taxpayer money being used to fund the WEF, an organization that already appears financially sound. Reports indicate that in 2023, the U.S. government committed $9.1 million to the WEF, mainly in multi-year grants. The WEF’s past funding includes a substantial $50 million grant from USAID, disbursed over time since 2015.
Representative Perry’s criticism extends to the WEF’s agenda, including their push for AI-driven economies and collaboration with controversial figures and regimes. The congressman’s office pointed out that key speakers at the Davos conference included officials from the Chinese Communist Party and Iran, raising concerns about their influence on foreign policy and energy solutions.
The WEF’s recent “Global Risks Report” for 2024 identified “disinformation” and “extreme weather” as significant global threats, leading to suggestions such as a coordinated system of carbon taxes and biometric identification cards for vaccination tracking. The Davos summit also included discussions on global financial systems, climate change, and nature, featuring a range of speakers and performances.
Perry’s stance is clear: he believes that American taxpayers should not fund the WEF, arguing that it does not align with American values and interests. The “Defund Davos Act” reflects a growing skepticism among some U.S. lawmakers about the role and influence of global organizations like the WEF.