“Vietnamese Americans are predominantly MAGA, and they voted for Trump. In Vietnam, they’re very pro-Trump as well,” says Silicon Valley entrepreneur Allison Huynh, leader of Ventures LLC, who fled to the U.S. after the fall of Saigon. “They love the MAGA movement because it focuses on the people and the country, and they don’t like communism or socialism.”
A Pew Research Center survey confirms Huynh’s assessment, showing that while most Asian voters align with the Democratic Party, roughly half of Vietnamese American registered voters are affiliated with the Republican Party.
Vietnam’s strong support for Donald Trump arises from a blend of historical nationalism, a newfound outlet for political expression, and his anti-China rhetoric.
Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” resonates deeply with many Vietnamese, aligning with their collective pride in a history defined by resilience and sacrifice in resisting powerful invaders such as China, Mongolia, and France. This shared emphasis on strength and perseverance makes Trump’s image as a strong leader particularly appealing.
Over the past eight years, U.S. presidential elections have provided an unprecedented opportunity for political engagement among Vietnamese citizens.
Widespread access to smartphones, high-speed internet, and social media enabled real-time participation in election discussions, fostering a sense of global connection and political freedom often lacking in Vietnam’s tightly controlled political environment.
Hiep, a university student in Saigon, initially disliked Donald Trump, saying, “He was like a stupid man, talking like a street boy, without control.” However, her opinion changed over time.
“But gradually, he could do what he said,” she explained. She added, “I personally hate Democrats, as they speak and use too much political tactics in government… tell lies.”
“For the most part, people just love Trump’s entrepreneurial flair, and he is very creative, building luxury condos and real estate,” explained Huynh, a Stanford University graduate who went on to become a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur.
Hiep echoed similar sentiments, expressing admiration for Trump’s appointees.
“I personally like Trump’s cabinet, including the ‘work more, talk less’ officials, like Musk. I believe that technology, especially AGI, will change the game, and Trump will surely Make America Great Again.”
Trump’s vocal opposition to China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea has resonated strongly in Vietnam, where these claims have caused significant tensions. “They’re building artificial islands around Vietnam and bullying in maritime areas between Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand,” said Huynh, emphasizing the importance of closer ties with the U.S. as a safeguard against China.
Distrust of China is deeply rooted in Vietnamese history, according to Hiep. “Implicitly, in every Vietnamese, is the China threat. That fear has accumulated for more than a thousand years from colonization by the Chinese government,” she explained.
Hiep believes Trump stands out for his willingness to confront China. “His last presidency gave China so much trouble with the trade war, making Vietnamese feel safer,” she added.
Beyond island-building and territorial encroachment, China’s actions include dredge fishing, which devastates the environment and depletes Vietnam’s food supply.
Additionally, the Chinese coast guard has attacked Vietnamese fishing vessels under the pretext of defending territorial claims—a strategy that enables the Chinese government to assert control over disputed waters while avoiding direct military conflict.
Trump’s leadership, which prioritizes national interests, resonates deeply with Vietnamese sensibilities. Hiep described him as a strong leader, saying, “His good leadership is proven. He is a successful businessman.
He is an elected president. Every world leader is now afraid of him—NATO, the EU, Zelensky…” Regarding the recent Trudeau incident, she added, “No one in this world can say, ‘Your house is a backyard of my house,’ but Trump joked that Canada is a state of the United States. And Trudeau kept silent… proving it’s true.”
Huynh highlighted Trump’s popularity in Vietnam and the significant improvement in U.S.-Vietnam relations over the past 50 years. “Trump is personally popular in Vietnam, and relations have improved dramatically.
The U.S. would be wise to use these factors to our advantage,” she said. She strongly believes that developing a multi-pronged partnership with Vietnam aligns with U.S. interests and supports a more desirable future world order.
“China and Vietnam are not close allies, and the U.S. can utilize the tension in the region to work with Vietnam in our mutual goal of containing the expansion of Chinese influence,” she added.
Huynh is correct that closer ties between the U.S. and Vietnam offer significant benefits. Vietnam’s shared concerns with the U.S. over China’s assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea, make it a natural partner in countering Beijing’s growing influence.
Strengthening this relationship would support a coalition advocating for freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order, while also positioning Vietnam as a key counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Economically, Vietnam’s rapid growth and participation in major trade agreements like the CPTPP and RCEP provide U.S. businesses with opportunities to access broader Asian markets and diversify supply chains away from China.
Strategically located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam also plays a critical role in regional security, with potential for enhanced military cooperation and joint efforts to promote stability.
Additionally, the two countries share a history of successful collaboration on issues such as post-war recovery, environmental clean-up, and educational exchanges.
Strengthening these ties can expand cultural and humanitarian programs, while encouraging other Southeast Asian nations to deepen their engagement with the U.S., further solidifying America’s presence and influence in the region.
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