Trump Ally: "US Must Respond to Regulations by Allies Like Han and Il"

Former Trump Administration National Security Advisor O'Brien
"US Companies Face Unfair Difficulties, Allies Also Have Problems"

Robert O'Brien, former National Security Advisor and close aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, argued that the U.S. government should take more proactive measures to protect its domestic companies from regulations imposed by other countries such as South Korea and Japan. This logic is similar to former President Trump's policy stance of prioritizing national interests over alliances. O'Brien, who served as National Security Advisor during the Trump administration, is also being considered as a potential candidate for Secretary of State in a possible second Trump administration.

In a contribution to the political media outlet The Hill on the 11th (local time), former Advisor O'Brien claimed, "American companies, especially those in the technology development sector, are struggling due to protectionist policies and unfair trade practices from both allies and adversaries abroad." He added, "In recent years, American companies have navigated this hostile economic environment on their own, but given that technological capability is directly linked to U.S. security and national power, the government can no longer remain passive."

O'Brien identified China, a hostile nation, as a representative country treating American companies unfairly, but he also raised issues with allied countries. He argued that the EU's protectionist policies excessively regulate American companies while not restricting the activities of technology companies from other countries around the world.

He further claimed that U.S. allies such as South Korea and Japan are adopting similar stances to the EU in attempting to hinder U.S. technological competition to support their own domestic companies. He did not specify what regulations South Korea is attempting to implement. However, in a December contribution to The Hill last year, he criticized South Korea's proposed 'Platform Fair Competition Promotion Act', calling it "a law that could cause friction with the U.S. and potentially favor Chinese companies."

He urged that it is time for the U.S. government to take offensive action to prevent anti-market regulations. He emphasized, "Washington leaders must ensure that foreign regulators do not unfairly target American technology companies through burdensome regulations or excessive fines."

He continued, "Our leaders must clearly state that the U.S. will respond if unreasonable policies or measures are imposed on American technology companies," adding, "When foreign governments ignore this warning, we must demonstrate through action to protect technological superiority, economic prosperity, and national security."