President of the United States Donald Trump is calling on Congress to boost Taiwan military aid to NT$29.41 billion (US$1 billion). The White House Office of Management and Budget issued a statement highlighting this demand in response to the draft of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The administration emphasized the importance of the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI). This initiative plays a central role in strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities. The Office thanked the House Appropriations Committee for its current NT$14.7 billion (US$500 million) proposal. However, it made clear that this amount is not enough.
Instead, the Trump administration insisted on the full budget request of NT$29.41 billion. Officials argued that Taiwan military aid directly supports deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. They also said it helps protect United States personnel in case of a regional crisis. The administration previously released NT$25.5 billion (US$870 million) in frozen funds to Taiwan. That move underscored Washington’s growing commitment to Taiwan. The latest statement reaffirms this policy shift.
The bill passed by the House still holds the NT$14.7 billion amount. These funds will go toward defense equipment, military training, and professional education. The bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress with quarterly spending reports. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has backed the initiative. It pointed to expert testimony by retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery. He urged lawmakers to maximize Taiwan military aid. He previously recommended NT$8.82 billion (US$300 million) for TSCI in an earlier defense bill.
Montgomery has proposed the NT$29.41 billion figure as a recurring annual budget. He said the money would enhance Taiwanese training in the United States. This includes captain-level courses and joint battalion drills in Hawaii and on the West Coast. Despite the House bill’s progress, the final budget remains undecided. Lawmakers must still reconcile it with the Senate version. The Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet released its draft. Until then, the debate over Taiwan military aid will remain a key focus in United States defense policy.
