The Epoch Times: "American Conservative Union Chairman Schlapp: Trump Is Taiwan’s Ally"

The following is the English translation of an article originally published in The Epoch Times. See the original article here: https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/10/8/n14612170.htm?utm_

The Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) held the 2025 Taipei Security Dialogue on October 8, where Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union (ACU), emphasized that reports about the U.S. or Donald Trump have been maliciously distorted to make people believe Trump neglects Taiwan. “That is wrong,” he said, stressing that the U.S. and Taiwan share a deep belief in freedom and a strong security partnership. “Our common values are rooted in our very bones—there is no reason why the U.S. and Taiwan should not stand together.”

The event, co-hosted by INDSR and Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, focused on the theme “Integrated Deterrence: Maintaining Indo-Pacific Peace Through Strength.” Among the speakers were former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former White House Political Director Matt Schlapp.

Schlapp voiced concern over the current state of U.S.–Taiwan relations, saying international discourse has been dominated by propaganda that erodes Americans’ understanding of Taiwan’s importance. He criticized the influence of “communists, globalists, and those who do not believe in freedom,” calling propaganda one of their most powerful weapons.

He argued that major outlets like CNN often portray Trump as indifferent toward Taiwan, pushing a political agenda that misleads audiences. “This is wrong,” Schlapp repeated, reaffirming that the U.S. and Taiwan share a bond grounded in freedom and mutual security.

According to Schlapp, both Americans and Taiwanese desire freedom and free trade, and share common ground in technology and security. He added that Americans distrust globalists and do not believe the Chinese Communist Party has its people’s interests at heart—further proof that the U.S. and Taiwan belong on the same side.

Schlapp also said American society is battling “wokeism,” globalism, and “lawfare,” describing them as a “virus of cultural revolution.” “They tell you what books you can read, what parents can teach their children,” he said, accusing media and tech companies of becoming propaganda tools.

He added that Trump’s resurgence reflects Americans’ rejection of control by “globalist elites” and a return to the belief in “peace through strength.” While the public was taught to see Russian President Vladimir Putin as the main adversary, Schlapp noted that under Trump, U.S. foreign policy was reoriented to identify the Chinese Communist Party—not Russia—as the real threat to global freedom. “This doesn’t mean war with Beijing,” he clarified, “but rather recognizing who the true adversary of the free world is.”

Schlapp concluded that Trump believes peace can only be achieved through strength, warning that weak American leadership would be “terrifying for Taiwan.” He highlighted how free societies worldwide face media monopolies, financial influence, and globalist infiltration—pointing out China’s propaganda and funding efforts in Europe and South America. “To defend freedom, we need strong leaders and awakened citizens,” he said, reaffirming that “the U.S.–Taiwan security partnership must not be weakened—and Trump understands he is an ally in this fight.”