During a visit to Dublin on Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a united Ireland “may as well happen now,” describing such an outcome as a “great thing.” Trump made these remarks in a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin as part of a two-day trip to Ireland.

Trump expressed support for Irish unification, saying it was inevitable and should take place sooner rather than later. His comments sparked criticism from unionist and Conservative politicians in the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern Ireland.

Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), emphatically rejected Trump’s position, reaffirming that Northern Ireland remains “an integral part of the United Kingdom.” Similarly, Alex Burghart, the Conservative shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland, stated, “Donald Trump is very wrong,” underscoring that Northern Ireland’s status as part of the UK is supported by the Conservative Party. Burghart added that party members, including Kemi Badenoch, would continue to defend the union.

Ian Paisley, former DUP MP and a known Trump ally in unionist circles, sought to downplay the remarks. Paisley emphasized that Ireland’s future should be determined by its people rather than external commentary from London, Dublin, or Washington. He reiterated confidence that Northern Ireland would maintain its union with the United Kingdom, highlighting the security benefits that come with it.

The UK government reiterated its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, which underpins the current political framework in Northern Ireland. Downing Street referenced remarks during a recent meeting at Stormont where Andy Burnham described the prospect of a unification referendum as “off the table” for now. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant clarified that the government stands “full square” behind the Good Friday Agreement, which mandates the holding of a border poll if it is believed a majority in Northern Ireland would support unification.

Earlier in the day, Irish President Catherine Connolly, a long-standing critic of Trump, met with the former president. After the meeting, Connolly highlighted the strong ties between Ireland and the United States but also conveyed the Irish people’s firm opposition to the “normalisation of war and genocide,” comments that underscore ongoing tensions with some of Trump’s rhetoric and policies.

The visit and accompanying remarks have renewed debate over Northern Ireland’s constitutional future amid continued sensitivities post-Brexit and evolving political dynamics in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.