Trump Says He Would ‘Love’ to See a United Ireland During Dublin Visit

President Donald Trump said Saturday he would welcome a unified Ireland, remarks made during meetings with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in Dublin that quickly drew criticism from pro British unionists in Northern Ireland. Trump said unification felt inevitable and would be a positive outcome, though he acknowledged the United Kingdom would have its own say in the matter. His comments came weeks after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said a referendum on Northern Ireland’s status remained off the table.

Break From Past US Neutrality

Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, only the British government can authorize a referendum on Northern Ireland leaving the UK. Previous U.S. presidents have generally avoided taking sides on the issue, given Washington’s historic role in brokering that peace deal. The leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party rejected Trump’s remarks, warning that unification would harm the region, while another unionist figure said Northern Ireland’s future should be decided by its own people rather than outside commentary.

Trade Comments Add to Dublin Visit

Trump also touched on trade during his visit, telling Martin that Ireland had “fleeced” the U.S. over the years by attracting American pharmaceutical and technology companies, though he said the relationship remained strong overall. The visit comes as Trump’s Republican Party campaigns to retain its congressional majorities ahead of the midterm elections.