Anti-Trump New York Times Columnist Admits Trump’s Presidency is ‘Much More Successful’ Than He Expected |

In an unexpected twist for some, Bret Stephens, a columnist for the New York Times known for his staunch anti-Trump stance, is finding himself grappling with the reality of Donald Trump’s presidency. Despite years of criticism, Stephens has recently acknowledged that the Trump administration’s achievements may be more substantial than he initially anticipated.

It appears that even those afflicted with what some have termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome” must eventually confront the facts. In a candid column, Stephens has taken a step back from his usual rhetoric, admitting to a less-than-expected level of disappointment regarding Trump’s presidency.

FOX News outlines his recent epiphany:

NY Times Columnist Acknowledges Trump’s Surprising Successes

Bret Stephens, a long-time critic of Donald Trump, has recently conceded that the Trump administration is enjoying more success than he had foreseen. In his latest column, he marvels at the president’s string of accomplishments, particularly noting that Trump’s trajectory has improved significantly since the tumultuous first 100 days in office.

“Goodness gracious! After a rocky start, Donald Trump appears to be cultivating a presidency that is far more successful than I had imagined. This is not what we, his most fervent critics, had hoped for or planned,” he remarked.

Stephens, who has labeled himself a “Never Trump conservative,” elaborated on Trump’s achievements, scrutinizing whether they stem from sound policy decisions or merely fortuitous circumstances. Among the positives he highlighted was Trump’s ability to align NATO allies towards increased defense spending.

“Contrary to fears of his critics that he would dismantle the Atlantic alliance, Trump may be remembered for rejuvenating and recalibrating it, benefiting all parties involved,” he added.

He even commended Trump for what he deemed “courageous policy,” specifically referencing the recent military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

Could this signal a thawing in the overly heated rhetoric surrounding Trump’s presidency?

Bret Stephens is right, as much as I hate to admit it: Not everything Trump does is bad. https://t.co/keYzOt2fLL

— Michael Petrilli (@MichaelPetrilli) July 30, 2025

There comes a point where the left’s narrative about Trump begins to diverge from the observable reality that many Americans witness daily. The question remains: how will this evolving perspective influence the broader political discourse?