Sam Altman Rises, Tim Cook Falls in Big Tech's Trump Era Scorecard

Nearly six months into Donald Trump’s return to political prominence, Big Tech’s relationship with the former and potentially future U.S. president is shifting rapidly. As the tech world navigates a turbulent political and regulatory landscape, certain executives are finding favor under Trump’s vision for the U.S., while others appear to be falling out of step.

Sam Altman: Rising Influence

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has emerged as a rising star, aligning with many of the policy conversations shaping tech’s future. Although not directly affiliated with Trump, Altman’s push for AI regulation and economic innovation resonates with several right-leaning lawmakers—and by extension, some elements of Trump’s agenda. His focus on "responsible AI" has helped position him as a bridge between tech ambition and government caution, earning him bipartisan attention.

Tim Cook: On the Decline

Apple CEO Tim Cook, who once managed to maintain strong relations with both Democratic and Republican administrations, is seeing his influence wane. Despite Apple’s significant investments in the U.S., Trump has increasingly criticized the company for outsourcing manufacturing and perceived ties with China. Cook’s more progressive stances, particularly on privacy, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) policies, have also made him a less favored figure among conservative voices in the Trump sphere.

Elon Musk: Still a Wild Card

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk remains unpredictable. Though he shares many views with conservatives on free speech and government regulation—especially in his stewardship of X (formerly Twitter)—he has not formally endorsed Trump. Still, Musk’s bold style and willingness to challenge political correctness keep him influential in conservative tech circles.

Mark Zuckerberg: Rebuilding Bridges

After enduring years of political backlash, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appears to be recalibrating his approach. Meta has reduced its public political commentary and is refocusing on AI, VR, and product development. Whether this more neutral stance will improve relations with Trump-aligned figures remains to be seen.

Jeff Bezos: Quiet and Calculated

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has kept a lower profile during Trump’s resurgence. Previously a vocal critic of Trump, Bezos is now more focused on Blue Origin and his media holdings. Though Amazon remains a key player in commerce and cloud services, the company is treading carefully around polarizing politics.

Tech’s Broader Strategy: Adapt and Influence

Many tech companies—despite being traditionally aligned with liberal causes—are now recalibrating strategies to stay competitive under shifting political winds. Executives have donated millions to political campaigns, including Trump’s, and have pledged billions in new U.S. investments to show alignment with pro-growth policies.

Conclusion

Big Tech’s Trump scorecard is a mix of rising stars, fading influence, and cautious maneuvering. As 2024 approaches and Trump continues to shape political discourse, tech leaders are adapting fast—some gaining favor, others falling out—with long-term regulatory stakes hanging in the balance.