Media 'Never Trumper' Bret Stephens Reconsiders His Views on Trump

Has a Once-Anti-Trump Media Figure Changed His Perspective? By Michael Reagan and Michael R. Shannon Monday, August 4, 2025, 10:12 AM EDT | Bret Stephens, a columnist for The New York Times, has publicly acknowledged that he was mistaken in his previous opposition to the Trump administration. This shift marks a significant ideological turnaround, akin to a major political figure switching allegiances. Traditionally positioned as a conservative voice for the Times, Stephens has long been associated with the 'Never Trump' camp and has previously compared President Trump to Italy's fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. However, recent developments suggest a reevaluation of his stance. As of late last year, Stephens no longer considers himself opposed to Trump, recognizing errors in his earlier judgments. He now highlights specific areas where the mainstream liberal anti-Trump consensus was misguided. "Following a challenging first 100 days, Donald Trump has begun to demonstrate a more effective presidency than many anticipated," Stephens remarked, contradicting previous predictions of disaster. Contrary to critics' claims of expecting failure, many were vocally opposed from the outs...