But, according to current and former U.S. officials familiar with the meeting, it was, in reality, about much more. Trump's national security team had become alarmed by the president's frequent questioning about the value of a robust American presence around the world. When briefed on the diplomatic, military and intelligence posts, the new president would often cast doubt on the need for all the resources. The session was, in effect, American Power 101 and the student was the man working the levers. The annual gathering of world leaders will open amid serious concerns about Trump's priorities, his support for the body he is addressing and a series of spiraling global crises.

Source: ABC News September 18, 2017 07:52 UTC