Naomi Klein discusses why some business elites back Trump again

In short: Naomi Klein says some wealthy business leaders back President Trump again because they expect looser rules, tax benefits, and more power, and some also think extreme wealth can help them escape future crises.

What's going on

Naomi Klein spoke on “The Interview,” a New York Times show, about why many wealthy business leaders have aligned themselves with President Trump in his second term. She argued that, for a significant group, the basic reason is straightforward. They see a chance to protect and grow their money and influence.

Klein said this can include support for deregulation, which means fewer government rules for businesses to follow. She also pointed to tax advantages and the idea that these leaders view the government as something they can steer to serve their interests, like a tool they can pick up and use.

She also described a darker motivation she says exists among some tech and finance leaders. In her view, some billionaires believe that if society faces major breakdowns, like climate disasters or political unrest, their wealth can buy an “exit.” She compared this to an “end-times” mindset, where people prepare for collapse by building bunkers or private compounds instead of trying to stop the problems in the first place.

Klein added that crisis itself can create opportunities. When people are distracted by confusion or fear, she said, leaders with money and access may be able to push through big changes more easily.

What to watch

Klein’s comments highlight a broader question: whether future government decisions about tech and the economy, including rules for AI (computer systems that can generate text, images, or decisions), will be shaped more by public debate or by a small group of powerful insiders.

Source: NYTimes