The real difference between his first term and now is that not only does he now understand the swamp and recognize his true allies ( and his cabinet is the best in my lifetime) but his ego is now such that he doesn’t feel the need to be the only voice in the room. Look he has welcomed Elon in to the cabinet meeting and the Oval Office and let him speak. He’s not worried about having to try to be the only big dog in the room.

He had no problem with Vance calling out Z in the press conference. I can’t imagine him having let Pence do that or Pence even thinking that he could. He’s comfortable in his own skin and doesn’t feel the need try to constantly be the center of attention. I like it.