The Swiss publicist and political commentator Hannes Britschgi told the Swiss radio station bz Basel that the gifts were “undignified”, while the deputy editor-in-chief of CH Media, Doris Kleck, said it was a reflection of how Switzerland had to kowtow to Trump to get his attention.

“Trump loves being fawned over by billionaires. It’s terrible that... See more

The invite may not have formally been aimed at currying favor with Trump on trade, but even Trump seemed to understand the optics. He reportedly joked with Rolex executives about whether the tariffs had something to do with the invite. Meanwhile, Trump was given gifts, including a golf sweater, as a “token of appreciation for attending the event,”... See more