Dublin — During a visit to Ireland on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the unification of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, a marked departure from longstanding American neutrality on the issue. Speaking alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Trump called reunification “fantastic” and predicted it would eventually happen.
“I don’t want to cause any problem. I will tell you, I’d love to see it unified,” Trump said, acknowledging the sensitivity of the matter. He later admitted the topic was difficult to address, remarking that half the audience might leave after hearing his comments.
The question of Northern Ireland’s status remains contentious, rooted in a complex history marked by decades of violence between those favoring union with the United Kingdom and those advocating for a united Ireland. The 1998 Belfast Agreement, brokered in part by the United States, established that Northern Ireland would remain part of the UK unless a majority voted otherwise in a referendum, which would also require approval from voters in the Republic of Ireland.
Reunification carries considerable political and social divisions, especially in Northern Ireland, where fears of renewed conflict persist. While public support for unification tends to be stronger in the Republic, Irish governments have historically approached the topic cautiously. Trump’s remarks follow earlier comments this year in which he suggested a “merger” between the two entities, a statement later described by officials as a joke.
Trump’s statements come shortly after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham asserted there is insufficient public support for a Northern Ireland referendum, saying one would not be held until such support exists. Downing Street reiterated Burnham’s position following Trump’s visit, emphasizing commitment to the Good Friday Agreement.
The president’s comments drew criticism from some UK political figures. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, stated on social media that Northern Ireland is “a proud and integral part of the United Kingdom” and that its people do not want a referendum or unification, expressing disagreement with Trump. Gavin Robinson, a member of the British Parliament and leader of the unionist Democratic Unionist Party, stressed that Northern Ireland’s constitutional future must be decided by its own electorate, not by external commentary.
Conversely, Claire Hanna, a Northern Irish lawmaker with the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party, which supports a united Ireland, welcomed Trump’s stance, pointing out that it contrasted with the views of Robinson’s party, which she characterized as aligned with Trump’s politics.
In addition to his remarks on Ireland, Trump used his Dublin address to criticize domestic political opponents, including former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., whom he described as physically infirm. Biden had visited Northern Ireland in 2023 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Earlier in the day, Trump met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to discuss trade and possible aid for the Gaza Strip, a subject gaining attention amid calls within Ireland for more support for Palestinians. He also met with Irish President Catherine Connolly at the presidential residence. Despite past protests against Trump’s first visit to Ireland and her outspoken criticism of his foreign policies, Connolly officially welcomed the president and presented him with symbolic gifts, including a medieval manuscript related to Saint Brendan’s legendary Atlantic voyage and a volume of poetry by Northern Irish poet Michael Longley, known for his work during the Troubles.