In a recent discussion, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and comedian Jon Stewart voiced concerns over the apparent shift in attitudes towards President Donald Trump by political and tech leaders during his second inauguration.
Republicans and top figures from Big Tech showed significant support for Trump during his second oath-taking ceremony, marking a noticeable shift from previous criticisms, Fox News reported.
The inauguration, which occurred on January 20, 2025, in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, saw prominent attendance from various sectors. Among those present were key figures from the tech industry, such as Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook, indicating a warmer relationship despite past tensions.
Jon Stewart remarked on the Democrats' calm demeanor during the event, contrasting it sharply with their prior vehement opposition during Trump's campaign. "In some ways, Trump clowns them. It doesn't look like holding to protocol, it looks like submission," Stewart observed.
Stewart expressed skepticism about the sincerity of Democrats' prior ferocious campaigning against Trump, which he suggested seemed "performative" in retrospect.
Ocasio-Cortez echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the mainstream acceptance of Trump had escalated, tagging it a "billionaire feeding frenzy" and a contest of demonstrating allegiance to Trump. She emphasized the stark contrast in behavior, from general reluctance to overt acceptance within various social strata.
The exchange of pleasantries among high-profile figures such as Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner, and CEOs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos at the inauguration illustrated the broader cultural acceptance. Ocasio-Cortez argued that this new reality represented a deepened influence of wealth and power in politics, where the elite display loyalty in hopes of gaining favor.
During the discussion on "The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart," Ocasio-Cortez and Stewart delved into the implications of Trump's renewed acceptance by both political and business leaders. They suggested that this normalization made Trump "so much more dangerous" because it masked the potential risks of his governance beneath a veneer of mainstream approval.
Referencing Trump’s influence, Ocasio-Cortez warned her audience about the potential deception underlying his leadership. "You’re being ripped off. You’re being ripped off, dude! Like, everyone is being ripped off," she stated emphatically. She characterized the president as a "quintessential New York con man," urging the public to remain vigilant against possible manipulations during his second term in office.
Big Tech's presence at the inauguration, noteworthy for figures like Sundar Pichai of Google and Elon Musk of SpaceX, highlighted a significant shift. Their participation underlined the changing dynamics in the political landscape, where previously strained relations seemed largely mended.
The choice of attire by members of the First and Second families, designed by celebrated designer Oscar de la Renta, further signified this cultural pivot towards more widespread acceptance of Trump among the elite.
As President Trump embarks on his second term, the landscape of American politics and society appears markedly transformed from his first tenure. This shift, underscored by the reconciliation of big tech giants and political figures with Trump, projects a future where past animosities seem forgiven if not forgotten.
Stewart and Ocasio-Cortez's discussion sheds light on the evolving dynamics in U.S. politics, marked by a complex interplay of power, tech influence, and public perception. As these leaders depict a new norm, the ramifications for American democracy and its foundational values will unfold during Trump's continued presidency.
