I think he’s engaged in a very effective and time-tested strategy of “co-opting.” When you embrace your critics, ask them to serve in some advisory capacity to serve on a board, or forum, or study group, you quite effectively deceive them into thinking they are on the inside and able to get the change they want. Their ego is stroked and they start defending the person or the policy they once opposed. Rational? If my enemy seeks my opinion and advice, they can’t be ALL bad...right? I’ve seen this co-opting strategy play out in local and state government. It really is a beautiful way to tamp down opposition and silence the most vocal critics.
It also throws the anti-Trump movement into further disrepute, as many of the prominent voices from that movement are now traipsing into Trump Tower to be part of the new administration.
Kill them with kindness. This is doubtless part of what made Donald Trump such a great negotiator. If he can’t find the win, he’ll make one, if the deal is worth it.