President Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm over the controversy sparked by his recent remarks endorsing a united Ireland, saying he “loved” the political backlash. Speaking before attending the final day of the Irish Open golf tournament in Doonbeg, County Clare, Trump reiterated his belief that Irish reunification is inevitable and suggested it “may as well happen now.”
Trump’s comments, made during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin earlier in the weekend, drew criticism from political leaders in both Westminster and Stormont. When questioned about the reaction, Trump showed no hesitation, affirming his support for a united Ireland and emphasizing his positive interactions with local politicians, including Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Trump described Burnham as “a very nice guy” who “tends to be on the liberal side,” adding that Burnham would likely oppose wind energy projects in favor of North Sea drilling.
At the Irish Open’s prize-giving ceremony, Trump announced plans to remove the 10 percent tariffs imposed on Irish whiskey exports to the United States, which affect annual shipments valued at approximately €450 million ($728 million). He said he discussed the matter with both Martin and Irish Open champion Shane Lowry, promising to eliminate the tariffs on behalf of the United States.
The former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams weighed in on Trump’s comments, welcoming the president’s stance on Irish unity despite their broader political differences. Speaking at an event organized by the Unite trade union, Adams said Trump’s remarks “reflect the broad North American sentiment towards Irish unity and particularly the Irish diaspora towards Irish reunification.” Adams criticized Taoiseach Martin for distancing himself from the growing positive attitude toward reunification in Ireland and the diaspora.
Martin himself dismissed renewed calls for a border poll on Irish unity, referring to them as “gobshanas,” an Irish term for nonsense.
While Trump highlighted Irish reunification and trade issues during his visit, he also touched on other global topics, including the war in Ukraine, energy prices, and the state of the U.S. economy, though he provided few details about his envisioned timeline or process for reunification.
The Irish Open, hosted at Trump’s hotel and golf resort in Doonbeg, provided the backdrop for the weekend’s discussions as political sensitivities over Ireland’s future remain heightened amid evolving public and international perspectives.