Similar to Trump's visit to Davos last year, Bolsonaro attempted to soften the radical message that helped him win the presidency. He portrayed Brazil as a favorable place for business, focused on combating corruption and reducing regulations. However, Bolsonaro also declared his intention to eliminate leftist ideology from politics and society, prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection. Despite receiving lukewarm applause, he emphasized that his administration signifies a new era in Brazil where ideological biases will no longer be tolerated. His motto is "God above all things." Bolsonaro's speech at Davos marked a departure from the usual presence of American and European leaders, highlighting the clash between global cooperation and his nationalist views. Bolsonaro's history of controversial statements and actions, including loosening gun restrictions and curbing rights for marginalized groups, contrasts sharply with the typical attendee at the conference. Despite concerns, he has not yet withdrawn from the Paris climate accord, but did cancel Brazil's pledge to host the 2019 United Nations global summit on climate change. On Tuesday, Bolsonaro reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and working in harmony with the world, without referencing any specific agreements. He stated that those who criticize Brazil have much to learn from the country. Bolsonaro and Trump have formed a close relationship, with similarities between them being evident. Bolsonaro, like Trump, has claimed victory despite facing unfair attacks and has also criticized the news media. Despite speaking in a warm room, Bolsonaro was wearing a long winter coat. Trump has a preference for this as well: He was seen wearing one recently in the State Dining Room while posing with a spread of fast food for the Clemson University football team. Following Bolsonaro's inauguration, Trump congratulated him on Twitter and Bolsonaro responded with a message of unity. Trump, who was the focus of last year's meeting, decided not to attend this year due to the government shutdown. He also cancelled the rest of the American delegation after denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers the use of a military aircraft. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a video appearance from the State Department, summarizing Trump's foreign policy stance with criticism towards Iran and China. He informed the audience that Trump's disruptive approach was a positive reaction to voters who were disenchanted with traditional politicians, and was similar to political upheavals in various countries including Britain, France, Italy, and Brazil. Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain and President Emmanuel Macron of France did not attend the meeting due to dealing with domestic challenges. Pompeo argued that critics of the Trump administration were not prepared to reform international institutions like the United Nations, but Trump was up for the challenge. When asked if the United States was isolated, Pompeo disagreed and said they were not isolated at all. However, the changing world order was evident in Davos. While traditional Silicon Valley companies like Facebook and Salesforce still showcased their presence with impressive pavilions, Saudi Arabia stood out with a large billboard on the side of a hotel promoting investment in the kingdom. The Saudi investor conference, Davos in the Desert, faced cancellations due to connections between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Alongside were advertisements for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin's alternative to Davos. Despite limited Chinese participation, sessions focusing on China's economy, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, attracted the largest audiences. The United States maintained a lower profile but continued to have a significant influence over the event. Economic analysts believe that Trump's trade war with China is responsible for lowering their predictions of global economic growth. Additionally, foreign policy analysts argue that Trump's unpredictable behavior is the biggest risk factor in the world. Karin von Hippel, a former State Department official and current director-general of the Royal United Services Institute in London, stated that challenging the international system requires a clear alternative plan, which seems to be lacking.