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Trump Hails United Ireland, Praises Irish-American Friendship
Confirmed
In Short: US President Donald Trump expressed support for a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin, while also emphasizing the strength of US-Ireland relations.
US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin, stating that it would be 'a fantastic thing.' The comments were made during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, where Trump also praised the strength of the US-Ireland relationship, calling it 'stronger than ever.
During the visit, Trump discussed various topics with Martin, including trade, and expressed his support for a united Ireland, saying it would happen eventually. "The two countries do very well together," Trump said, adding, "It's never been as good as it is right now." However, he also noted that the constitutional future of Northern Ireland is a matter for its people, not for political commentary from other nations.
The visit has also drawn attention to Ireland's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in the European Union, and its support for Gaza was a topic of discussion during Trump's visit. However, Trump did not raise the issue, despite calls from Sinn Féin and other parties to do so.
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 confirmed
- US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin, stating that it would be 'a fantastic thing.' The comments were made during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, where Trump also praised the strength of the US-Ireland relationship, calling it 'stronger than ever.
- During the visit, Trump discussed various topics with Martin, including trade, and expressed his support for a united Ireland, saying it would happen eventually. "The two countries do very well together," Trump said, adding, "It's never been as good as it is right now." However, he also noted that the constitutional future of Northern Ireland is a matter for its people, not for political commentary from other nations.
- The visit has also drawn attention to Ireland's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in the European Union, and its support for Gaza was a topic of discussion during Trump's visit. However, Trump did not raise the issue, despite calls from Sinn Féin and other parties to do so.
What's still developing
- Irish authorities have been planning for Trump's visit for months in what is one of the biggest security operations in the history of the state.
- Several protesters have also started to gather in Doonbeg, a few miles from Trump's hotel where he will attend the Irish Open.
- An avid golf fan, in July Trump said he hoped to travel to Doonbeg to watch the Irish Open.
- "There's nothing better than Irish-American friendship and I have a beautiful place over there - it's one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world," said Trump in his message, which was broadcast on a large screen.
- Trump is on a two-day visit to the country where earlier he had a courtesy call with the Irish President Catherine Connolly at the Áras an Uachtaráin - the official residence of the Irish president.
- He will also attend events at the US Ambassador to Ireland's residence, before attending the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament.
- He was greeted by Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris and Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning.
- To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video There were audible gasps among journalists as Donald Trump told a press conference that he would ‘love’ to see a united Ireland.