Taiwan fears Trump will speak off-script on its fate in Beijing
Key takeaways
- An hour later, Trump walked it all back, ending the complex military endeavor after less than a day.
- It was just the latest evidence to America’s allies that the word of the U.S. government is subject entirely to the president’s whims.
- Privately, senior administration officials have assured Taiwanese leadership ahead of the trip that Trump has no intention of changing long-standing U.S.
Helicopters fly with Taiwan’s national flag during an inauguration celebration of President Lai Ching-te in Taipei in 2024. (Chiang Ying-ying / Associated Press) By Michael Wilner Washington Bureau Chief Follow May 10, 2026 3 AM PT 6 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — A resolute Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to the White House lectern Tuesday and declared the United States, under President Trump’s leadership, had launched a bold new operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, based on the principle that international waterways must remain free.
An hour later, Trump walked it all back, ending the complex military endeavor after less than a day.