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Trump to Visit Ireland Amid Protests and Golf Tournament
Developing
In Short: U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit Ireland for the weekend, amid planned protests and a meeting with the country's premier, despite a disputed sign reportedly mocking his presence.
Following the 25th-anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit Ireland for the weekend, taking in the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg. However, a sign reportedly mocking his visit has sparked debate, with Snopes unable to independently verify its authenticity.
According to reports, a sign with an 'F*** Trump' message was reportedly prepared in someone's yard near the golf course, though Snopes could not independently verify its authenticity. Irish Premier Micheál Martin expressed his readiness to welcome Mr. Trump, stating, 'I look forward to welcoming Mr. Trump to Ireland and discussing the many issues of mutual interest.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly assured that peaceful protest would be facilitated, but warned of 'no tolerance' for public disorder or attempts to impact the US president's movements. The Tánaiste, speaking ahead of the visit, highlighted the opportunity to mark and reflect on the deep and enduring links between Ireland and the United States.
Simon Harris, Ireland's deputy premier, will welcome Mr. Trump as he arrives off Air Force One at Dublin Airport early on Saturday morning. Harris noted the significance of the visit, given that more than 900 US companies directly employ 245,000 people in Ireland, while over 200,000 people are directly employed by almost 800 Irish companies in the US.
Background
Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
What's still developing
- Snopes received a reader's email asking, "Is it true that in Ireland in flight path for Shannon airport is a F*** Trump message in someone's yard?" The reader attached an image of the alleged sign — apparently captured from a high-angle position, similar to that of a drone — showing a grassy field, with the "U" in the first word marked with an asterisk.
- Snopes could not independently verify the sign's authenticity as of this writing, but did note a report about the image from CorkBeo, a publication primarily covering matters involving Ireland's County Cork.
- 9, interviewing a woman who said she asked her husband to help prepare the sign for Trump's trip.
- Mr Harris said Mr Trump’s visit will be an opportunity for the Irish Government to engage substantively as the US remains Ireland’s largest trading and investment partner.
- A number of demonstrations protesting against Mr Trump’s visit have been planned.