President Donald Trump arrived at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week with a 300-person entourage and an unusual command center: a converted English church renamed "The Sanctuary." The venue, which typically serves as a place of worship, now functions as USA House—the official American pavilion at the annual gathering of global business and political leaders. The choice to house American messaging about faith and leadership inside a historic church has raised eyebrows among observers and sparked controversy that goes beyond typical diplomatic posturing.
Trump's visit to Davos comes as the United States marks its 250th anniversary. The administration has made faith and American patriotism central themes of its presence at the summit, with banners reading "Freedom 250" adorning the church's exterior. Inside, the packed schedule of discussions focuses on faith and leadership, with sessions starting early in the morning drawing crowds so large that queues wrapped around the building.
Background
The World Economic Forum has long served as a gathering place where world leaders, business executives, and influential figures discuss global challenges and opportunities. Major nations typically establish national pavilions or "houses" at the summit to host events, meetings, and discussions. The practice allows countries to showcase their priorities and engage with international audiences.
Trump's relationship with religious voters has been central to his political success. He has cultivated strong support among conservative Christians and evangelical communities, a core part of his Republican base. His administration has established faith-based entities and launched programs encouraging prayer. The decision to make faith a centerpiece of USA House reflects this political strategy on the global stage.
The timing of Trump's Davos visit comes amid significant international tensions. Before arriving in Switzerland, private text messages between Trump, Norway's prime minister, and France's president were made public. Trump also released an AI-generated image showing himself seated before European leaders with a map displaying the US flag over Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela. These actions set a confrontational tone even before his formal arrival at the summit.
Key Details
USA House occupies a 19th-century English church, creating what observers have called an ironic juxtaposition. The church, traditionally a place of shelter and guidance, now hosts a nation that administration officials acknowledge is disrupting the international status quo. Keith Krach, the CEO of Freedom 250—the organization overseeing the 250th anniversary celebrations—has emphasized the historical role of faith in American leadership.
"People came to the US because of freedom of religion," Krach said during a faith and leadership session. "You can see in history that Abraham Lincoln led on his faith, that 9/11 brought people together because of their faith. And when we look back at this anniversary year and the next 250 years, faith is going to play even a bigger role."
The Newsom Incident
The venue became a flashpoint for political conflict when California Governor Gavin Newsom was denied entry to participate in a scheduled "fireside chat" with Fortune magazine editors. Newsom's office claimed that pressure from the White House and State Department led USA House to block his appearance, despite Fortune being the official media partner for the event.
Newsom responded sharply on social media, questioning the administration's confidence. "How weak and pathetic do you have to be to be this scared of a fireside chat?" he wrote. During an interview with news outlet Semafor, Newsom characterized the incident as consistent with what he called the administration's "authoritarian tendencies."
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed Newsom's complaint, issuing a statement that mocked the California governor and did not directly confirm whether he was prevented from entering the venue. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also criticized Newsom's economic policies, questioning what his policies had accomplished for California.
Trump himself addressed the situation during his speech at Davos, offering a more conciliatory tone while still criticizing Newsom's leadership. He suggested that if Newsom needed help, he would provide it, referencing federal assistance the administration provided to Los Angeles.
What This Means
The setup of USA House reflects a deliberate strategy by the Trump administration to assert American leadership through faith and patriotism rather than traditional diplomatic channels. By converting a church into the center of American messaging at a secular international summit, the administration has made a bold statement about its priorities.
The controversy surrounding Newsom's denied entry reveals the tensions within American politics extending onto the global stage. The incident demonstrates how the administration is willing to use control of official venues to manage its message and limit opposing viewpoints, even from a sitting governor of the United States.
For international observers at Davos, the presence of USA House in a church, combined with Trump's earlier provocative statements about territorial expansion, presents a complex picture of American intentions. Allies have expressed uncertainty about the direction of US foreign policy, while the administration appears focused on projecting strength and American exceptionalism. The venue choice—a place traditionally associated with spiritual guidance and refuge—now houses a nation signaling disruption and dominance, a contradiction that has not gone unnoticed by those watching from across the Atlantic.
