TSMC "Pays" Trump $100 Billion "Protection Fee," Claims Former Taiwan President

It was a surprise ceremony at the White House, presided over by President Donald Trump, to announce a $100 billion investment from what he called "the world’s most powerful company"—Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), John Liu and Wayne Chang reported for CNN.

To reassure the public, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te appeared alongside TSMC CEO C.C. Wei at Taipei’s presidential office I Photo: 總統府 Wikimedia Commons

But nearly 8,000 miles away, the mood was far from celebratory. Instead, the shocking announcement last week reignited fears in Taiwan about losing its crown jewel—its world-leading semiconductor industry—to the U.S. due to political pressure.

Taiwan’s former President Ma Ying-jeou wasted no time in accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of "selling TSMC" to Trump as a "protection fee."

Ma, a member of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), said, "This is a major national security crisis. It will have a significant negative impact on people’s confidence, cross-strait relations, and Taiwan’s future geopolitical position."

To reassure the public, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te appeared alongside TSMC CEO C.C. Wei at Taipei’s presidential office, stating that the company’s U.S. investment would not undermine its commitment to or planned expansion in its home base.

TSMC produces more than 90% of the world’s advanced microchips, which power everything from smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) to weapons.

Many in Taiwan believe that global dependence on its semiconductors serves as a "silicon shield"—a deterrent against a potential Chinese invasion.

China’s ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite having never controlled it, and has vowed to take control of the self-governing island—by force if necessary—Simone McCarthy also reported for CNN.