US President Donald Trump will take his populist message directly to the world's business and financial elite later this month, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, the White House confirmed Tuesday.

Trump -- who ran for president on a nationalist "America First" platform -- will mingle at the annual Alpine festival of globalism in Switzerland, and perhaps offer a few views of his own.

"The president welcomes opportunities to advance his America First agenda with world leaders," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

"At this year's World Economic Forum, the president looks forward to promoting his policies to strengthen American businesses, American industries and American workers."

A string of US presidents have avoided attending the annual upscale event, fearing a trip to a European ski resort would make them look out of touch.

The last president to go was Bill Clinton, who attended in 2000.

Trump, a real estate mogul-turned-president, has rarely shied away from the rich and famous.

Source: AFP