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The World Economic Forum – the globalist body that hosts its annual gathering of elites in Davos, Switzerland – is supporting an independent investigation into whistle-blower allegations brought against its founder, Klaus Schwab, Fox News Digital has confirmed. 

The whistleblower complaint was first reported by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, a day after Schwab, 87, stepped down as chairman and as a member of the Board of Trustees, effective immediately. 

According to the Journal, an anonymous whistleblower penned a letter to the board – which includes former Vice President Al Gore, Jordan’s Queen Rania and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde as members – alleging financial and ethical misconduct by Schwab and his wife, Hilde. The claims included that Schwab allegedly tapped subordinates to withdraw thousands of dollars from ATMs on his behalf and used WEF funds to pay for private, in-room massages at hotels. 

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM FOUNDER KLAUS SCHWAB STEPS DOWN FROM GLOBALIST BODY’S BOARD

The letter reportedly also alleged his wife, a former WEF staffer, arranged “token” meetings funded by the forum to rationalize luxury holiday travel on the organization’s tab. 

A spokesperson for the Schwab family denied all allegations about luxury travel and withdrawing money, telling the Journal that Klaus Schwab would always pay the forum back for any massages charged to hotels while traveling. The spokesperson also told the Journal that the family plans to file a lawsuit against whoever was responsible for the whistle-blower letter and “anybody who spreads these mistruths.” 

The Journal reported that the board convened an emergency meeting on Easter Sunday about the whistle-blower allegations to consider a course of action. 

“The Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum unanimously supported the Audit and Risk Committee’s decision to initiate an independent investigation following a whistleblower letter containing allegations against former Chairman Klaus Schwab,” the WEF said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. “This decision was made after consultation with external legal counsel and in line with the Forum’s fiduciary responsibilities.” 

“The investigation will be led by the Audit and Risk Committee with the support of independent legal experts,” the statement continued. “The Committee will move expediently to determine its processes and parameters and will share its progress with the Board. While the Forum takes these allegations seriously, it emphasizes that they remain unproven, and will await the outcome of the investigation to comment further.”

President Donald Trump during his address by video conference at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Jan. 23, 2025.  (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

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“Under the interim chairmanship of Peter Brabeck-Letmathe and the continued leadership of President and CEO Børge Brende, the Forum remains fully committed to its mission and responsibilities.” 

In announcing Schwab’s departure on Monday, WEF said its board “acknowledged the outstanding achievements of the retired” Schwab. 

“He created the leading global platform for dialogue and progress, and the Board expressed its gratitude for his 55 years of relentless leadership at the helm of the Forum,” the WEF said in a statement. “At a time when the world is undergoing rapid transformation, the need for inclusive dialogue to navigate complexity and shape the future has never been more critical. The Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum underlines the importance of remaining steadfast in its mission and values as a facilitator of progress. Building on its trusted role, the Forum will continue to bring together leaders from all sectors and regions to exchange insights and foster collaboration.” 

Participants follow Donald Trump’s speech during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 23, 2025.  (Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The annual meeting in Davos for years has brought together top business executives, government leaders, academics, international organizations, cultural figures, sports legends and celebrities for conversations on world economic affairs. 

President Donald Trump addressed the Davos meeting remotely in January, just three days after his inauguration. 

“What the world has witnessed in the past 72 hours is nothing less than a revolution of common sense,” Trump said, speaking of his plan to begin a “Golden Age” for America. “Our country will soon be stronger, wealthier and more united than ever before, and the entire planet will be more peaceful and prosperous as a result of this incredible momentum and what we’re doing and going to do.” 

US President Donald Trump has issued a rare rebuke to Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to “STOP!” after a deadly barrage of attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”

Russia targeted Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones, killing at least 12 people and injuring 90 others.

It was the deadliest attack on the city since July last year.

Trump’s frustration is growing as a US-led effort to reach a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia made little progress.

On Wednesday, Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula as part of a possible peace deal.

Russia illegally annexed the area from Ukraine in 2014.

Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russia’s is a red line for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow’s attacks had continued.

Trump’s criticism of Putin is notable because Trump has repeatedly said Russia, the aggressor in the conflict, is more willing than Ukraine to get a deal done.

“I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday. “So far it’s been harder, but that’s OK. It’s all right.”

In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has focused on which leader has leverage. Putin has “the cards” and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly.

At the same time, the new Republican administration has taken steps toward a more cooperative line with Putin, for whom Trump has long shown admiration.

Trump is set to meet later on Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

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Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 198-kilometre border with Russia.

Gahr Støre said in a social media post that he would underscore during the talks that “close contact between Norway and the USA is crucial.”

“We must contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine,” he said.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Putin should “stop lying” when he claims to want peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine.

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“There is only one answer we are waiting for: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?” said Macron during a visit to Madagascar.

Macron added that “the Americans’ anger should focus on just one person: President Putin.”

During talks in Paris last week, US officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter.

That was discussed again on Wednesday during talks with US, European and Ukrainian officials.

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“The principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated,” French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine said.

Asked whether France agreed with Trump’s comments that Ukraine’s position was to blame for prolonging the war, Lemoine said Ukrainians showed they are open to negotiations while Russia continues its strikes.

“We rather have the impression that it is the Russians who are slowing down the discussions,” he said.