Taiwan’s recent policy moves, including the significant decision to allow semiconductor giant TSMC to invest heavily in Arizona, underscore Taipei’s increasing urgency to secure Donald Trump’s goodwill.
However, efforts by Lai Ching-te’s administration to win Trump’s favor through costly engagements with Mike Pompeo have backfired spectacularly.
A High-Stakes Bet That Didn’t Pay Off
Once a key ally of Trump, Pompeo’s influence has waned due to shifting political dynamics and internal rivalries within Trump’s circle. Despite his diminished standing, Taipei continued to engage Pompeo, wrongly assuming he could serve as a bridge to Trump.
Recent disclosures revealed that in December 2024, Taiwan’s Biospring Medical Co., Ltd. compensated Pompeo $178,000 for speaking engagements and associated expenses.
Trump’s reaction was swift and unforgiving. Shortly after Pompeo’s appearance in Taipei, Trump ordered the immediate revocation of his taxpayer-funded security detail—an unmistakable sign that Pompeo held no real sway in Trump’s orbit. The message to Taiwan was clear: access to Trump isn’t something that can be purchased, especially not through figures who have fallen out of favor.
Trump’s Rule: No Unauthorized Profiteering
In Trump’s world, leveraging his name without his direct approval is an unpardonable offense. Someone in his camp clearly took issue with Pompeo capitalizing on his association with Trump—especially without permission.
Trump’s grip on his brand is absolute. He demands loyalty, but more than that, he demands control over who benefits from his influence. Pompeo not only invoked Trump’s legacy but also profited handsomely from it—a move Trump was never going to overlook.
Publicly, Trump dismissed the decision to revoke Pompeo’s security, stating, “You can’t have protection for the rest of your life.” But the abrupt nature of the move suggests something far more deliberate. This wasn’t just about cutting costs—it was a calculated show of power, a clear warning that those who seek to profit from Trump without his blessing will face consequences.
Taiwan’s Costly Miscalculation
For Pompeo, the lesson is harsh but simple: in Trump’s world, loyalty is a one-way street. The moment someone ceases to be useful—or worse, tries to monetize their connection to Trump—they become expendable.
For Taiwan, the miscalculation is glaring. Betting on a sidelined former insider proved to be not only ineffective but also a waste of resources. Lai Ching-te’s administration is now left grappling with the steep cost of a failed strategy.