Former President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting the United States should not help Taiwan in the event of an invasion from China have sparked a wave of anger and concern on social media. Trump, who is the leading favorite to secure the GOP nomination for president after winning the Iowa caucus, sat for an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures With Maria Bartiromo where he was asked if, under a hypothetical second Trump presidency, the U.S. would protect Taiwan from Chinese aggression even if it meant going to war with China. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, but the Communist Party leadership has never controlled the self-ruled island in its seven decades in power in Beijing.
Trump declined to give a firm answer, but did suggest discontent with Taiwan for allegedly taking semiconductor business away from the U.S.
On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, numerous users interpreted Trump’s remarks as an indication that, as president, he would not have the U.S. come to Taiwan’s aid. Some questioned his claims about Taiwan’s chip business, while others accused him of hypocrisy in the face of his typical stances on China since he has opposed the nation’s global economic and political influence.
In an interview with NBC News from September, Trump took a similar stance on the issue, stating that he would not say what his position would be but also stated that sending U.S. troops to Taiwan would not be “off the table.” President Joe Biden has also recently urged China not to interfere with Taiwanese matters, most notably its recent elections.
