Part of it is that Trump has a desire to be loved. He will sway to whatever route makes him feel adulated. Putin, Musk, Thiel and co can do that, so he goes along with a lot of their beliefs.
He is now making positive comments about Ukraine and Zelensky probably because Macron and Starmer have successfully placated his ego. It’s either that or he can’t remember what nonsense he spouts given his possibly deteriorating cognitive powers. He still has no respect for checks and balances or principles, but the ideological framework seems to match that of a radicalised Musk and the Heritage Foundation. All because they can tickle his tummy enough.
