TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Nearly three-quarters of Taiwanese citizens express deep mistrust of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his management of cross-strait affairs, according to a new poll released Friday (April 18). The survey found 72.57% of respondents lack confidence in Trump's handling of sensitive issues between Taiwan and China, particularly concerning recent tariff negotiations that have heightened economic uncertainties across the region.
The "Broadcasting Corporation of China Public Opinion Survey Association" (中廣民意調查協會), a Taiwanese polling organization, released these findings during a media briefing held in Taipei. Their comprehensive survey assessed public satisfaction with how each of Taiwan's three major political parties has responded to the challenges posed by Trump's newly imposed tariff policies that directly affect the island's export-dependent economy.
The detailed polling results revealed varying levels of public confidence in Taiwan's political establishment. The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, received 31.01% satisfaction ratings against 44.13% dissatisfaction. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which currently controls the presidency and government, fared slightly better with 34.37% satisfaction but faced 46.74% disapproval. The relatively new Taiwan People's Party registered the lowest approval at 23.93% satisfaction versus 43.71% dissatisfaction.
Taiwan's government now faces the delicate task of managing these multifaceted challenges against a backdrop of widespread public skepticism toward the American president. The poll's results emphasize how critical skillful diplomatic maneuvering and strategic economic policy-making have become for preserving Taiwan's financial stability and nurturing its crucial international relationships, particularly with its most important security partner.
The press conference featured several influential Taiwanese political figures, including the organization's former chairman Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康), Taipei City Councilor Yu Shu-hui (游淑慧), and former KMT legislator Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文). The event sought to evaluate Taiwan's governmental response during a period of heightened tension characterized by impeachment proceedings against Trump in Washington and escalating trade disputes affecting global markets. ★
