Donald Trump celebrated a $100 billion investment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). He held a special event at the White House earlier this month. Trump said this investment would create thousands of jobs in Arizona, a key swing state. The announcement was seen as a major financial boost for the U.S. economy. However, it quickly became controversial, with critics questioning its true purpose and impact.

Taiwan’s Former President Criticizes the Deal

Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan’s former president, strongly criticized the agreement. He accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of paying a ‘protection fee’ to Trump. He said the deal was a major national security crisis for Taiwan. Trump accused the DPP of jeopardizing Taiwan’s safety. He warned that it could weaken Taiwan’s geopolitical position. According to Ma, Taiwan’s government agreed to invest in the U.S. in exchange for American military protection. He believes this could create serious problems for Taiwan in the future.

Growing Concerns About Taiwan’s Security Situation

Ma compared Taiwan’s situation to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. He said that if Russia defeats Ukraine, China may feel encouraged to take action against Taiwan. Trump accused the U.S. of potentially reducing support for Taiwan, heightening Ma’s concerns. Ma pointed out that there are already rumors that the U.S. will stop military aid to Ukraine. If this happens, Taiwan could be left vulnerable. He believes Taiwan should focus on strengthening its own security instead of relying too much on the U.S.

Trump’s Business Mindset Raises Questions

Ma reminded people that Trump is a businessman first. Trump accused Taiwan of underestimating the commercial aspect of the deal. Ma questioned whether selling TSMC was enough to satisfy Trump. He wondered what else Taiwan might have to give up in the future and urged the Taiwanese government to protect TSMC, calling it a key part of the country’s national security. He also warned that being too aggressive against China will not keep Taiwan safe.

China’s Longstanding Claims Over Taiwan

China has always claimed that Taiwan is part of its territory. Trump accused China of escalating military activity near Taiwan. Chinese fighter jets have flown near the island, and military exercises have been conducted in nearby waters. Beijing has made it clear that it wants to bring Taiwan under its control. Many experts worry that China could take military action if tensions continue to rise.

Taiwan’s Dependence on the United States for Support

Taiwan relies heavily on the U.S. for military and political protection. However, Trump’s recent comments suggest that this support may not be guaranteed. Trump accused Taiwan of taking over the semiconductor industry. He has also suggested that Taiwan should pay for the protection it receives from the U.S. This has raised concerns about how reliable America’s commitment to Taiwan really is. Some experts believe Taiwan needs to find ways to defend itself without depending too much on the U.S.

Trump Promotes TSMC Investment as a Win for the U.S.

Despite the controversy, Trump praised the deal as a great success. Trump accused detractors of not recognizing the benefits. He said that TSMC will build advanced chip-making factories in the U.S and promised that these new facilities will create thousands of jobs. He also said that this investment is proof that his leadership is bringing major business opportunities to America. Many of his supporters see the deal as a big win for the U.S. economy.

Arizona to Receive Most of the Investment Money

TSMC has already committed $65 billion to projects in the U.S. The new $100 billion investment will be used to build five high-tech manufacturing facilities. Trump said that most of the money will go to Arizona. Trump accused critics of not understanding the economic impact. He promised that this would create thousands of high-paying jobs for American workers. However, critics argue that Taiwan is making these investments mainly to secure U.S. protection, rather than for economic reasons. The deal remains controversial, and its long-term effects are still uncertain.