Trump Says Irish Reunification Would Be “Fantastic” During Ireland Visit

DUBLIN: U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the eventual reunification of Ireland, describing a united Ireland as a “fantastic” development during his visit to Dublin.

Speaking alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Saturday, Trump said he would like to see the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland united, while acknowledging that the United Kingdom would have a say in the matter.

“I’d love to see it unified,” Trump said, adding that he believed reunification would happen eventually and suggesting that it could happen sooner rather than later. He later acknowledged that there was “no good answer” to the politically sensitive issue.

Northern Ireland’s constitutional status has remained a deeply divisive issue for decades. The region became the center of prolonged sectarian and political violence during the Troubles, which largely ended following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The agreement provides for a referendum on Irish unity if it appears likely that a majority would support reunification.

Trump’s comments came during a two-day visit to Ireland that combined diplomatic engagements with his attendance at the Irish Open golf tournament at his Trump International Golf Links resort in Doonbeg, County Clare.

During his visit, Trump held talks with Martin and met Irish President Catherine Connolly. He also addressed business leaders, with discussions focusing on bilateral economic ties and international issues. The United States and Ireland maintain extensive economic relations, with American companies playing a major role in Ireland’s technology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Trump’s remarks on Irish reunification came amid wider tensions in U.S.-UK relations over international issues. He also raised the longstanding dispute over the Falkland Islands, questioning Britain’s ability to defend the territory and saying he could potentially become involved in efforts to resolve any future confrontation between Britain and Argentina.

The U.S. president’s visit also attracted protests in Dublin, where demonstrators criticized his policies on foreign affairs, migration and other issues. Despite the controversy, Trump has maintained strong connections with Ireland through his Doonbeg resort, which local officials describe as an important contributor to the regional economy.