“Everybody Wants to Be My Friend Now,” Says Donald Trump
Eight years ago, I shocked the world by winning the presidency. When I left office, people treated me like a pariah. But fast-forward to today, and it seems like everyone—from tech giants to world leaders—is lining up to join my fan club.
At my luxurious Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, I joked with reporters this week, “In the first term, everyone was fighting me. Now, everybody wants to be my friend. Maybe my personality changed or something!” Spoiler alert: It hasn’t.
What has changed is the attitude of my critics. The same people who once criticized me are now rushing to cozy up. Why? Because they know loyalty matters to my administration—and being on my good side is better than the alternative.
Tech Titans
Let’s talk about the tech world. Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, stopped by last month, likely trying to mend fences after Facebook banned me following the January 6 Capitol incident.
Apple’s Tim Cook? Check. Google’s Sundar Pichai and Sergey Brin? Also on the list. Even Jeff Bezos, who once couldn’t say enough bad things about me, is reportedly showing up soon. Oh, and big names like Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman are throwing down a cool $1 million each for my inauguration fund. Not bad, huh?
I even hosted TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, this week. While others are pushing for a ban on TikTok in the U.S., the platform’s Chinese owners seem eager to smooth things over. As I’ve said, “It’s like night and day compared to my first term.”
Wall Street and the Media Are Playing Nice
It’s not just tech tycoons. Last week, the New York Stock Exchange rolled out the red carpet for me to ring the opening bell. On the same day, Time Magazine named me “Person of the Year”—again. Even media figures, who’ve often been my harshest critics, are making peace. MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who used to roast me on air, dropped by Mar-a-Lago in November.
The buzz is real, folks. Columnist Michelle Goldberg from The New York Times even called this phenomenon “The Great Capitulation.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
World Leaders Know the Drill
International leaders are also getting involved in the program. My buddy Viktor Orban from Hungary? He’s been a regular. And guess who else showed up? Canada’s Justin Trudeau. Yes, even Trudeau, who’s been sweating over potential new tariffs, has come knocking.
The Power of the Presidency
I’ve made it clear: loyalty is key. Those who don’t play ball? Well, they’re in for a rough ride. Just this week, I sued a pollster and a newspaper for publishing fake numbers before the election. Guess what? I crushed it in Iowa.
Even outgoing President Joe Biden has eased up, choosing a smooth transition this time. Smart move, Joe.
A New Era of Influence
So, what’s the takeaway? My return to the White House isn’t just about me; it’s about the movement I’ve built. People see the power, the loyalty, and the results—and they want in.
As I prepare to take office again, it’s clear: the tide has turned. Love me or hate me, everyone knows one thing—they’d rather be my friend than my foe.
