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Everyone Jumps On The Trump Train

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, a noticeable shift is taking place in the business world. Leading CEOs and tech executives—who once fiercely opposed him—are now making the journey to Mar-a-Lago to sit down with the incoming president. This warm reception marks a stark contrast to the hostility Trump faced after his 2016 victory.

Trump himself has acknowledged the change, tweeting his surprise at the friendly overtures he’s receiving from figures like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Apple’s Tim Cook. “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social after meeting with Bezos, who had once endorsed Trump’s 2016 rival. During a press conference following a meeting with Cook, Trump noted, “The biggest difference between my first administration and my second is that people want to get along with me this time.”

This new attitude toward Trump is no accident. Many of the same Silicon Valley leaders and corporate giants who once viewed his presidency with skepticism now recognize that aligning with him could be in their best interest. Executives from major companies like Google, Meta, and TikTok have already visited Mar-a-Lago, with some even committing $1 million each to his inaugural fund. Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates is reportedly seeking a meeting as well.

Some argue that the business community’s pivot is motivated by the need to secure a seat at the table with a president who has a proven track record of pro-business policies. Deregulation, lower taxes, and an emphasis on market-friendly economic policies are seen as major benefits by corporate leaders, particularly after the more restrictive approach of the Biden administration. Trump’s deregulation of industries, including technology and digital assets, offers an enticing prospect for companies seeking to operate with fewer government constraints.

A Republican strategist close to Trump’s circle pointed out that Silicon Valley executives—historically resistant to outside influence—are now eager to “kiss the ring” because they know Trump’s administration favors deregulation and supports growth in sectors like tech and energy. Some of these executives fear competition from rising stars like Elon Musk and want to ensure they remain relevant in an evolving business landscape.

This shift also reflects a growing recognition within corporate America that the business world cannot afford to ignore the power of a president who has a clear mandate. Despite the rhetoric from both parties about who has the true political majority, Trump’s ability to draw support from a wide range of business leaders shows his influence is only growing. For some, these meetings at Mar-a-Lago are a strategic move to ensure they stay in the president’s good graces as his second term progresses.

What’s clear is that many business leaders now see Trump as someone who can deliver the policies they want—fewer regulations, a friendlier tax environment, and a more laissez-faire approach to government intervention in the economy. If Trump follows through on his promise to roll back regulations on industries like energy, climate, and tech, it could usher in a new era of business growth.

However, there are risks involved. Trump’s more controversial policies—such as steep tariffs, mass deportations, and a potential crackdown on foreign investment—could create challenges for certain industries. Nevertheless, business leaders are betting that the overall benefits of working with the Trump administration outweigh these risks.

The bottom line: CEOs and business leaders are flocking to Mar-a-Lago not only to curry favor with the president but also to prepare for the coming term of a businessman president who knows how to make deals—and deliver on them. As Trump settles into his second term, expect even more corporate leaders to follow suit, eager to work with an administration that promises a pro-business agenda aimed at revitalizing the American economy.