Five Ways to Fix Wisconsin’s Factory Deal With Foxconn

Last week, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou made headlines for announcing plans to run for president of Taiwan, citing divine inspiration from a Chinese sea goddess. While commentators obsessed over what the business magnate’s bid could mean for the Asian island or for the world’s largest contract manufacturer of electronics, I couldn’t help but wonder what his decision will mean for—of all places—Wisconsin.

Back in 2017, Gou personally helped strike a landmark deal with U.S. President Donald Trump and Wisconsin’s then Governor Scott Walker to build a colossal presence in the Badger State. In exchange for an estimated $4.5 billion in government subsidies and other incentives, Foxconn agreed to invest $10 billion and hire 13,000 workers at its new factory operations just south of Milwaukee. Yet, almost from the outset, as Bloomberg Businessweek reported, the arrangement has been steeped in controversy, questionable promises and ever-changing goals.