Forget ideology—Trump’s real loyalty lies with those who flatter him most, whether it’s a dictator, a billionaire, or a company once on his hit list. In plain English, if you want Trump’s support, don’t waste time debating policies—just shower him with praise, cut the check, and watch your problems disappear.
It seems that in the political arena, flattery and sycophancy are the keys to unlocking President Trump's favor. For a man who built his brand on the idea that he is strong, unshakable, and fiercely independent, it is striking how easily a well-timed compliment or a hefty financial contribution can sway his positions. He is, after all, the same man who once declared, "I alone can fix it," yet time and time again, his decisions reveal that a little sweet talk—or a big check—can change everything.
Consider the case of TikTok. Initially, Trump was a vocal critic, citing national security concerns and even signing executive orders to ban the app in the United States. He portrayed himself as a warrior against China's technological dominance, claiming that TikTok was a tool for the Chinese Communist Party to spy on Americans. His administration pushed for a complete ban, forcing TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets or face being shut down. Yet, something changed. After a private meeting at Mar-a-Lago with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, Trump’s rhetoric softened. Suddenly, the app he once saw as a national security threat was not so bad after all. He extended the deadline for ByteDance, allowing TikTok to return to app stores and continue operations. What was discussed in that meeting? We may never know the exact details, but one thing is clear: a little face-to-face flattery goes a long way.
Trump’s relationship with cryptocurrencies has undergone a similar transformation. Back in 2019, he dismissed Bitcoin outright, stating, "I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air." His administration even sought to impose stricter regulations on the industry, warning of potential fraud and financial instability. Fast forward to the 2024 election cycle, and the tune has changed completely. The cryptocurrency industry contributed over $200 million to Trump’s campaign, and suddenly, Bitcoin and other digital assets became part of his "pro-freedom, pro-business" agenda. His campaign not only began accepting Bitcoin donations, but he also positioned himself as the champion of financial innovation, pledging to support a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment. The timing could not be more convenient.
The same pattern emerged in his interactions with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. In the early days of his presidency, Trump was threatening to unleash "fire and fury" upon North Korea, vowing to "totally destroy" the country if necessary. The two leaders exchanged insults, with Trump calling Kim "Little Rocket Man" and Kim firing back with equally colorful epithets. But then came the summits, the handshakes, and—most importantly—the flattery. Kim understood something crucial: Trump craves admiration. So, Kim lavished him with praise, writing letters that Trump described as "beautiful" and "love letters." In return, Trump declared that he and Kim "fell in love." The once-rogue dictator who needed to be obliterated was now a friend.
Elon Musk has also mastered the art of winning Trump over. The billionaire entrepreneur had a rocky relationship with Trump during his first term, occasionally criticizing his policies. But when it came time to ensure that his interests would be protected under a potential second Trump administration, Musk did what many others had done before him—he opened his wallet. Musk contributed approximately $243 million to Trump’s campaign, a staggering sum that cemented his influence within Trump’s political circle. Unsurprisingly, Trump has since positioned himself as an ally of the tech industry, repeatedly praising Musk’s business acumen and calling him "one of the great geniuses of our time." The transactional nature of their relationship is evident: Musk bankrolls Trump, and Trump provides him with political protection.
Saudi Arabia is another entity that has successfully leveraged money and flattery to remain in Trump’s good graces. Despite Trump's previous criticisms of the kingdom—especially in the wake of the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—his tone shifted when Saudi investments started flowing into ventures linked to his family. One of the most notable examples is the $2 billion investment that a Saudi fund made in a firm run by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. More recently, Trump attended a Saudi-backed conference in Miami, signaling yet another warming of relations. If there was any lingering outrage over human rights violations, it certainly did not get in the way of business opportunities.
Even within the tech industry, figures like Marc Andreessen and Jan Koum have secured influence through financial support. Both men donated substantial amounts to Trump’s campaign, aligning themselves with his administration’s increasingly tech-friendly stance. Andreessen, a Silicon Valley giant, was previously skeptical of Trump’s policies, but his financial contributions appear to have earned him a seat at the table. Similarly, Koum, the billionaire co-founder of WhatsApp, shifted from being relatively apolitical to actively supporting Trump financially.
Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of this dynamic is the Republican National Committee’s embrace of Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social. Initially dismissed as a fringe right-wing echo chamber, the platform has gained legitimacy as Trump's influence over the Republican Party has solidified. And, as expected, financial incentives played a role. By channeling millions into the platform, Trump’s allies ensured that it would become the go-to social media space for his supporters, all while cementing their own positions within his inner circle.
This pattern is not new. During Trump’s first presidency, foreign leaders, corporate executives, and even celebrities quickly realized that appealing to his ego was the most effective way to secure his favor. Whether it was Shinzo Abe presenting him with a golden golf club, Kanye West showering him with praise in the Oval Office, or Russian officials laughing at his jokes in the White House, the lesson remained the same: Trump thrives on adulation.
At its core, Trump’s political philosophy appears to be dictated not by ideology, but by loyalty—especially the kind that comes in the form of flattery or financial backing. His supporters might argue that this is simply how business and politics work, but the implications are profound. If policies can be bought with campaign donations, and adversaries can be turned into friends through empty compliments, where does that leave the American people?
For a man who once claimed he would "drain the swamp," it appears the swamp has merely evolved into a playground for the highest bidders. His critics would say that his policies are for sale to the highest flatterer, while his allies would call it smart deal-making. Either way, one thing is certain: in Trump’s world, the adage holds true—"flattery will get you everywhere."
And for those hoping to curry favor with the former president, the strategy remains simple: stroke the ego, write the check, and watch the magic happen.
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