Donald Trump Says Irish Unification Would Be ‘Fantastic’
Trump expresses support for the prospect of Irish unification.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he would “love to see” a united Ireland, calling the reunification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland a “fantastic thing”. His remarks came after a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in Dublin during a two-day visit that has drawn attention to the politically sensitive issue of Irish unity.
Trump said he believed reunification would eventually happen and suggested that it could happen sooner rather than later. However, he acknowledged that the United Kingdom would have a role in the matter. The island of Ireland has been divided since 1921, with the Republic of Ireland forming an independent state while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK.
Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which helped end three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, a referendum on Irish unity can be held if the UK government determines that a majority in Northern Ireland is likely to support joining the Republic. A separate vote in the Republic of Ireland would also be required. The United States has traditionally maintained a neutral position on the issue.
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Trump’s comments drew criticism from unionist politicians. Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson said unionists were not interested in what he described as the destruction of Northern Ireland through unification with the Irish Republic. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s office referred to his earlier parliamentary remarks in which he reaffirmed support for the Good Friday Agreement.
Trump arrived in Dublin amid a major security operation involving at least 4,000 police and other personnel. He met Irish President Catherine Connolly before holding talks with Martin, where issues including the Iran war, US tariffs on EU pharmaceuticals and immigration were discussed. Connolly later said she had conveyed the Irish people's opposition to the normalisation of war and genocide.
The visit also included Trump's trip to his resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, where he planned to attend the Irish Open golf tournament. At least 2,000 protesters gathered in Dublin to oppose his visit, with Palestinian flags and placards visible at the demonstration. Trump's appearance at the golf event has also raised questions about the overlap between his presidential duties and his family's private business interests, particularly as Ireland hosts tens of thousands of spectators for the tournament.
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