Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Hoover Institution | Stanford University

The Hoover Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region hosted Trump and Taiwan: A Big, Beautiful Relationship or the Deal Maker’s Ultimate Bargaining Chip? on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 4:00-5:15 pm PT at Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building.

We are only in the first quarter of the first year of President Trump’s second term, but we’ve all already experienced a dizzying pace of activity. Whole federal agencies have been shuttered, some longstanding agency core missions have been upended, and we are suddenly in a trade war with unknown consequences. Ukraine has been dumped, then courted again. Canada is threatened with annexation, Greenland with invasion. In the midst of this chaotic approach to governance, the U.S. Indo-Pacific policy is still to be defined. There are some disruptions such as new tariffs (though forecasted long ago), and the suspension of development assistance, but one could also cite policy continuity (e.g. AUKUS and the Quad) and a slew of traditional, conventional practices (e.g. leader visits with joint statements and annual military exercises). Yet absent the release of strategic documents such as a national security strategy, and absent a major address by the President or Cabinet official, the overriding feelings in the region are uncertainty and unease. This very much includes Taiwan. While Taiwan has pro-actively taken steps to earn the “right” kind of attention of the new U.S. Administration such as announcing major investments in the United States and increases to its defense budget, many critical questions remain. Are we on the cusp of a closer, stronger relationship with Taiwan with enduring commitments, or are we building trade space for President Trump’s next big deal with China? Mr. Schriver will explore these important topics based on his three decades of policy work related to Taiwan and the Indo-pacific, as well as his services as a senior official in the first Trump Administration.

A discussion with three of America's most distinguished former governors - Jeb Bush (Florida), Jerry Brown (California), and Mitch Daniels (Indiana) - exploring the critical relationship between states and the federal government. Moderated by Michael Boskin, this conversation examines how these innovative leaders managed natural disasters, educational reform, fiscal challenges, and infrastructure development.

The three distinguished former governors share candid insights about dealing with federal regulations, balancing budgets during boom and bust cycles, and implementing effective education reforms. Highlights include Jeb Bush's groundbreaking education initiatives in Florida, Jerry Brown's fiscal management in California, and Mitch Daniels' successful privatization efforts in Indiana.

This timely conversation offers valuable lessons for current policymakers and insights into effective governance at both state and federal levels. Featuring:

• Jeb Bush, Former Governor of Florida (1999-2007)
• Jerry Brown, Former Governor of California (1975-1983, 2011-2019)
• Mitch Daniels, Former Governor of Indiana (2005-2013)
• Moderator: Michael Boskin, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution

To learn more, read "American Federalism Today" by the Hoover Institution: https://www.hoover.org/research/american-federalism-today

Part of the Tennenbaum Program for Fact-Based Policy at the Hoover Institution: https://www.hoover.org/research-teams/tennenbaum-program-fact-based-policy