Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently joined a growing list of influential business figures visiting President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Sarandos, known for his support of Democratic leaders like President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, made waves with this visit, especially considering his wife, Nicole Avant, served as Obama’s Ambassador to the Bahamas. His trip is part of a broader trend of corporate moguls seeking Trump’s ear following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Other high-profile figures have also made the trek to Mar-a-Lago. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos dined with Trump, as did outspoken Trump supporter Elon Musk. Apple CEO Tim Cook and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg have made similar visits, with Meta even donating $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. Reports suggest Amazon might follow suit, underscoring the interest these tech giants have in aligning with the new administration.
Media Outlets Shift Tone Toward Trump
Once vocal critics of Trump, major media organizations are now attempting to soften their approach. TIME magazine, which previously criticized the president, recently named him “Person of the Year” and even joined in celebrating his victory by chanting “USA! USA!” at the New York Stock Exchange opening bell.
Media conglomerates are also trying to repair relationships with Trump. TelevisaUnivision, a leading Spanish-language broadcaster in the U.S., sent executives to Mar-a-Lago shortly after the election to thank Trump for his support. Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, has committed to diversifying the paper’s editorial board to include more conservative perspectives.
Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, has also signaled a shift. At a recent summit, Bezos expressed optimism about Trump’s second term, marking a significant departure from the confrontational stance taken during the 2016 election. These moves suggest media companies are rethinking their approach as they navigate the new political landscape.
Legal Risks Prompt Media to Rethink Strategy
The change in tone toward Trump is likely influenced by legal considerations. ABC recently settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $15 million, despite some experts believing the network could have won in court. The settlement raises questions about whether other media outlets are following suit to avoid costly legal battles with the president-elect, who has a history of using lawsuits to challenge his critics.
The mounting legal pressure on media companies has placed a strain on their resources, making them more cautious in their coverage of Trump. With several high-profile lawsuits pending, the risk of further legal entanglements may be prompting these outlets to adopt a more conciliatory tone.
Tech Industry Aligns with Trump Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
In addition to media companies, the tech industry has also taken steps to align with Trump, particularly in light of increased regulatory scrutiny. Leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have been among those making their way to Mar-a-Lago. With the incoming administration signaling a tough stance on tech regulation, these executives are eager to position themselves as allies of the new president to secure favorable treatment.
Musk, a long-time Trump supporter, attended a dinner with Bezos at Mar-a-Lago, while Zuckerberg, facing antitrust challenges, is reportedly seeking to maintain a positive relationship with the president-elect. These efforts underscore the growing importance of having political connections in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
Trump has embraced this wave of attention, posting on social media last week that “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND.” His growing clout among the business elite is a clear signal that many are looking to capitalize on potential opportunities for collaboration, policy influence, and access to the White House.
