- Jeff Bezos says Donald Trump seems "calmer" and "more confident" than during his first term, marking a shift from their adversarial past.
- The Amazon founder expressed openness to helping with deregulation, a positive signal for large tech platforms.
- The rapprochement could reduce regulatory uncertainty for Amazon, Blue Origin, and The Washington Post.
A New Era of Engagement
Jeff Bezos, the executive chairman of Amazon and founder of Blue Origin, indicated a thaw in his long-frosty relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, describing the former president as "more mature" and "more disciplined" than during his first term. The comments, made at the DealBook Summit on Wednesday, reflect a broader recalibration among top business leaders as they assess the landscape of a second Trump administration.
Bezos noted that Trump seems "calmer" and "more settled," a sharp departure from the public feuds that marked their earlier interactions. The two men clashed repeatedly during Trump's first term over The Washington Post, Amazon's tax practices, and Bezos's personal wealth. Now, Bezos said he is "hopeful" about Trump's appetite for reducing regulation, a stance that could benefit Amazon's sprawling operations in retail, cloud computing, and logistics.
"What institutional investors like us are really focused on is regulatory stability," Bezos said, echoing a sentiment shared by many corporate leaders. "If we can get that, it's a huge positive."
Implications for Amazon and Beyond
Amazon has been navigating heightened scrutiny over antitrust issues, labor practices, and its role in the economy. A more cooperative posture with the White House could ease some of that pressure, especially on tariffs and pricing. The company recently faced backlash over how it communicated tariff-related cost increases to consumers, a flashpoint that drew attention from the Biden administration.
Bezos' shift also signals a potential détente for The Washington Post, which he owns. The paper has been a frequent target of Trump's criticism, and its editorial stance may evolve under the new political dynamics.
Private Sector Realignment
Bezos is not alone in reassessing ties with Trump. Other tech and finance leaders have signaled a willingness to engage, with some praising the administration's focus on deregulation and economic growth. The move underscores a pragmatic turn among executives who view the incoming administration as an opportunity to shape policy.
Reached for comment, representatives for Amazon and Trump's transition team did not respond.
This article was updated to correct the spelling of 'DealBook.'