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Trump Supports Irish Unification During Dublin Visit
Confirmed
In Short: US President Donald Trump expressed support for a united Ireland during a meeting with Irish leaders, breaking from past American policy.
US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a united Ireland during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, a significant departure from previous American policy. The statement was made at a meeting where Trump also praised the country's peace process and the unique insights Irish people can bring to conflict resolution.
Trump's visit to Ireland, which includes a two-day stay and a meeting with Irish President Catherine Connolly, is one of the largest security operations in the country's history. His support for Irish unity comes as the conversation about the future of Northern Ireland has shifted significantly.
What's confirmed
- US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a united Ireland during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, a significant departure from previous American policy. The statement was made at a meeting where Trump also praised the country's peace process and the unique insights Irish people can bring to conflict resolution.
- Trump's visit to Ireland, which includes a two-day stay and a meeting with Irish President Catherine Connolly, is one of the largest security operations in the country's history. His support for Irish unity comes as the conversation about the future of Northern Ireland has shifted significantly.
What's still developing
- President Trump with the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she acknowledged Trumps comments on a united Ireland and said the onus is on the Taoiseach to begin planning.
- Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said Trump "knows better than most that elections matter".
- Welcoming his comments, the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Claire Hanna said there was something "fairly extraordinary" about Trump standing in Dublin and talking openly about Irish unity.
- "As a country which has suffered famine, colonisation and the violence of the Troubles, but also the importance of the long and challenging road to peace, I emphasised the unique insight which Irish people can bring to the resolution of conflict," she said in a statement issued after the meeting.
- Adrian said Trump "serves the mantra of money makes the world go around".
- He attended meetings in Dublin, before travelling to County Clare for the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament.
- "When even Donald Trump has clocked that Irish unity is no longer some distant or theoretical prospect, it tells you something about just how far this conversation has shifted." The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows said while America is an "important ally," Northern Ireland's future will be decided by its people.