Donald Trump, once a polarizing figure in American politics, is now basking in a wave of newfound admiration as he prepares for his second term in the White House. “In the first term, everyone was fighting me. In this term, everybody wants to be my friend,” Trump declared confidently from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Although Trump’s personality shows little change, the tide has shifted dramatically in his favor. High-profile figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Google’s Sundar Pichai have visited Mar-a-Lago to mend fences. Even Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, a vocal critic in the past, is scheduled to meet with Trump soon. Reports indicate that Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI are each contributing $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s visit to Mar-a-Lago this week underscores how foreign and domestic corporations alike are maneuvering to align with the new administration. The social media giant faces the threat of a U.S. ban, making its courtship of Trump critical for survival.
On the political front, Republicans in Congress have largely fallen in line, showing minimal opposition to Trump’s contentious cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth for the Pentagon and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Even outgoing President Joe Biden, who once labeled Trump a threat to democracy, has softened his tone, seeking a smooth transition of power.
Globally, leaders are lining up for face time with Trump. Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made early overtures, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, despite past tensions, is working to avoid punitive tariffs Trump has threatened.
The media, often the target of Trump’s “enemy of the people” rhetoric, is also changing its tune. Prominent figures like MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have visited Mar-a-Lago, while a New York Times columnist recently described the current mood as “The Great Capitulation.”
Yet, Trump’s approach remains unapologetic. This week, he sued a pollster and a newspaper for publishing unfavorable survey results before the election, signaling a readiness to use the full power of the presidency against perceived adversaries.
As he prepares to retake the White House, Trump’s transformation from a divisive figure to a sought-after power broker reflects his enduring ability to reshape political and social landscapes. Critics who once shunned him now flock to his side, knowing that loyalty may be the key to navigating the next four years.
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