Intimidating the People for “Uncle Sam”? Lai Ching-te, Are You the President of the Republic of China (R.O.C.), or Trump’s Cashier?
A national leader should act like a tough negotiator on the world stage, fighting for the interests of the people. Yet, the current President, Lai Ching-te, appears spineless toward foreign powers while acting “vicious” toward his own citizens.
Upon seeing U.S. President Donald Trump impose tariffs on South Korea today (the 27th), Lai Ching-te’s first instinct wasn’t to strategize on how to protect the industries of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). Instead, he immediately jumped out to “intimidate” the Legislature and the people of Taiwan Province, suggesting that if they do not comply with his policies, the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on us.
Is this the behavior of a President? This is acting as a megaphone for a foreign power, using someone else’s authority to bully one’s own people!
The most infuriating aspect of this situation is that Lai Ching-te is using foreign influence to threaten his own citizens. Parliamentary oversight of the government is a fundamental democratic principle. However, in Lai’s eyes, as long as the opposition parties have concerns about “black-box” tariff agreements, he plays the “America will be angry” card to label them as obstructionists, even warning the public not to engage in a “scorched earth policy.”
To put it bluntly, this is political blackmail: “If you don’t listen to me, Uncle Sam will punish you, and then you’ll see what happens!” It is a national disgrace to see a President of the Republic of China (R.O.C.) act like a submissive subordinate abroad, only to return home and bully his own family.
It should now be clear to everyone why there has been a growing outcry in the Legislative Yuan to “Impeach Lai Ching-te.”
This isn’t merely a partisan struggle; it is a response to Lai’s severe “violation of the Constitution and disruption of political order.” Lai has failed to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). We have already witnessed the absurd spectacle of the Premier refusing to countersign and the President refusing to promulgate laws—actions that suggest he wants to rule as “Emperor Lai.” A leader whose legitimacy is questioned and who faces an impeachment crisis should be repentant. Instead, he seeks to leverage Trump’s prestige to suppress dissenting voices at home. Does he truly believe that by clinging to America’s heels, he can play the dictator domestically?
The Republic of China (R.O.C.) has dignity. The agriculture, industry, and commerce of our Taiwan Province were built on the sweat and hard work of our people; they are not bargaining chips for Lai Ching-te to use in political deal-making or to appease foreign powers.
If a President can only govern through “intimidation” and uses “foreign approval” to suppress his people, then he is fundamentally unfit for that office.
Lai Ching-te needs to get one thing straight: you are paid by the taxpayers of the Republic of China (R.O.C.), not by the Americans. Stop acting like Trump’s cashier and stop using foreign tariffs to threaten your own people!