Former CIA Director John Brennan said Monday on MS NOW’s “Deadline” that President Donald Trump does not understand Taiwan’s strategic importance to the United States.
Brennan argued that Trump’s approach reflects a lack of commitment to longstanding American principles and values. He said Trump may view Taiwan simply as an island that can be negotiated over or used as leverage, much as a real estate developer might pursue the most advantageous deal. But Brennan stressed that Taiwan is vital to U.S. national security for numerous reasons, including the long-standing principle that the United States should not allow China to absorb the island.
Brennan added that Trump’s public comments signal to China, Taiwan and other countries that Washington could be willing to trade its decadeslong partnership with Taiwan for another objective. In Brennan’s view, that does not demonstrate effective negotiation. He said Trump fails to recognize how closely interconnected the world has become and how heavily U.S. national security depends on relationships and alliances developed over many decades.
NEXT UP: Keir Starmer Could Signal End of State Pension ‘Triple Lock’ in Labour Speech
Follow Pam Key on X @pamkeyNEN