Following the 2024 election, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens appears to be distancing himself from the "Never Trump" label he adopted during Trump's first term. In a recent column titled "Done With Never Trump," Stephens admits he and other media figures misjudged the situation. He acknowledges Trump's appeal to his base, citing the former president's "sulfurous contempt" for the political elite and his "willingness to call out their hypocrisy." Stephens reflects on how Never Trumpers failed to fully grasp this connection.

Stephens concedes that while he and other Never Trumpers were correct to be concerned about aspects of Trump's leadership, they may have overstated their case and undermined their own objectives. He points to several inaccurate predictions, such as the claim that Trump would "stumble into World War III" and the belief that the Russia collusion narrative was not a "smear." Furthermore, he notes Trump's surprising appeal to working-class minorities, which many had underestimated.

Stephens also admits that he and other "elites" focused on "democracy" while average voters prioritized issues like inflation and immigration. He questions why Trump seemed to understand this dynamic better than his critics. Additionally, Stephens acknowledges the perception among many Americans that they have been lied to by the left, particularly regarding President Biden's health. He touches upon other complex issues, such as bigotry from both sides of the political spectrum, and the state of institutions like higher education and the FBI.

Looking forward, Stephens encourages an open mind about Trump's second term, suggesting that Never Trumpers should give the new administration a chance. He advocates for a more optimistic approach, urging readers to focus on real problems rather than hypothetical fears.