The Daily Beast Podcast Why World Leaders Think Trump's an Idiot: Rothkopf
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Jan 22, 2026 
David Rothkopf, a prominent columnist and CEO of Deep State Radio, joins the discussion to analyze Donald Trump's erratic return to Davos. He emphasizes how this year’s summit shifted from prestige to fear, particularly among European leaders impacted by Trump’s bullying and erratic remarks. Rothkopf highlights the immediate fallout, including frozen EU trade talks and market jitters. He warns of a historic rupture in transatlantic relations and critiques Trump’s impact on alliances, leaving listeners with a provocative look at international dynamics.
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Fondue Dinner As Davos Ritual
- David Rothkopf hosted an annual fondue dinner in Davos and disliked the food despite the ritual.
- He used the anecdote to illustrate Davos' performative social rituals and status signaling.
Davos Return Driven By Fear
- Davos attendees returned mainly because they feared Trump's actions, not because the summit regained prestige.
- David Rothkopf says their fear came from threats to markets, trade, and alliances that Trump personifies.
Billionaire Lives Matter Quip
- At a Foreign Policy lunch in 2017 David Rothkopf sat next to Jamie Dimon while David Rubenstein quipped, "Billionaire lives matter, too."
- Rothkopf used it to lampoon Davos' self-importance.