Washington D.C: As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as U.S. president, he appears more confident than ever, buoyed by growing support from big business leaders and former adversaries. “The first term everybody was fighting me,” Trump said at a recent event announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment from a major Japanese conglomerate. “This term everybody wants to be my friend.” The shift from resistance during Trump’s first presidency to this moment of reconciliation is clear and notable.
Corporate America Falls in Line
Leading tech giants and business figures are now signaling support. High-profile executives, including Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), and Sam Altman (OpenAI), have pledged substantial donations for Trump’s upcoming inauguration. Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai is also planning a meeting with the president-elect.
Just weeks earlier, Zuckerberg—whose platform once banned Trump—dined with him at Trump’s Florida estate. Meanwhile, Trump’s recent visit to the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate his selection as *Time Magazine*’s “Person of the Year” drew senior corporate leaders, including Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who declared the moment “a time of great promise for our nation.”
A Shift in the Media Landscape
Trump’s rapport with the media is also undergoing notable changes. MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski recently visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, signaling a shift from the confrontational tone of years past. Brzezinski explained, “It’s time to do something different… not only talking about Trump but talking with him.”
ABC News took a more pragmatic approach by settling a $15 million defamation lawsuit brought by Trump—a notable departure from previous legal battles fought by media outlets. Trump’s ongoing threats of lawsuits against other media entities, including CBS and *The Des Moines Register*, may have influenced ABC’s decision to avoid prolonged litigation.
Political Opponents Take a Pragmatic Approach
The shift in tone is equally apparent in Washington. Senate Republicans, previously hesitant to confirm Trump’s controversial appointees, are now rallying behind his picks, such as Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Trump’s supporters have also intensified pressure on lawmakers, warning of political consequences for noncompliance.
Surprisingly, even some Democrats are showing signs of cooperation. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has expressed openness to Trump’s appointees, while Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders suggested he might support Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary due to shared concerns about processed foods.
A Stark Contrast to Trump’s First Term
The current atmosphere is a stark contrast to Trump’s tumultuous first presidency. Following his controversial election in 2016, Democrats launched fierce resistance. Mass protests erupted the day after Trump’s inauguration, and his administration faced challenges blocking healthcare reforms and building a U.S.-Mexico border wall. His presidency ended with chaos after the January 6 Capitol attack, prompting major corporations like Microsoft, Nike, and Walgreens to sever ties with Trump and other Republicans.
Now, the resistance is notably subdued. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, once critical of Trump, has adopted a quieter stance. With his political career winding down, McConnell’s influence appears diminished, creating space for Trump’s policies.
The Party for Trump Supporters
While some Democrats remain steadfast in their opposition—with figures like Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett boycotting the January 20 inauguration—Trump and his supporters are celebrating. “This is a time for rebuilding American success and prosperity,” Trump’s allies declare.
Future Opposition on the Horizon?
Despite the current calm, Trump’s ambitious agenda—including mass deportations and increased trade tariffs—could reignite resistance. Democrats will look for opportunities to challenge Trump’s policies, and affected industries may push back if his trade measures disrupt business operations.
For now, however, Trump’s second term begins with a tone of unity among corporate leaders and pragmatic acceptance among former critics—a sharp departure from the resistance he faced eight years ago.
