Ex-White House chief of staff optimistic over Korea’s US investment

Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said he is “highly optimistic” about Korean companies’ large-scale investment in the United States, noting that Washington will likely continue its protectionist policies even after the Donald Trump administration.

Mulvaney served from 2019 to 2020, during Trump’s first administration.

He also previously worked as director of the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland.

In a special luncheon hosted Thursday by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), he confirmed his high confidence in Korean firms and their investment drive in the U.S., saying it was in line with Trump’s "America First" policies. “Trump understands the importance of having direct foreign investment in the U.S., and Korean companies are doing a really good job in the U.S.,” Mulvaney said during the event. “The relationship (between Korea and the U.S.) is really, really good.” His remarks came as Korean companies increased investments in the U.S. after Trump took office for the second time in January 2025