Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for a united Ireland, comments that have sparked significant political reaction both in the United Kingdom and in Ireland. Speaking during a visit to Dublin alongside Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Trump said he would “love to see it unified” and suggested that Irish reunification “is going to happen eventually,” adding that it “may as well happen now.” He acknowledged that the United Kingdom would have a say in the matter but insisted that a united Ireland would be “a fantastic thing.”
Trump’s remarks drew swift criticism from UK political figures, particularly from members of the Conservative Party and Northern Ireland’s unionist leadership. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described his comments as “shooting from the hip” and creating “unnecessary tension,” emphasizing that Northern Ireland is “part of the United Kingdom.” Conservative MP Alex Burghart echoed this sentiment, asserting that Northern Ireland remains integral to the UK and vowing to support the union while focusing on economic development.
Unionist politicians from Northern Ireland also condemned Trump’s intervention. Robbie Butler, Northern Ireland’s health minister and a member of the Ulster Unionist Party, said presidents are entitled to opinions but do not have voting rights in Northern Ireland. Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister accused Trump of interfering in matters unrelated to him, stating that Northern Ireland’s constitutional future does not depend on foreign dignitaries. Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson reiterated that Northern Ireland’s future will be determined by its people, not external commentary, and rejected the idea of joining the Republic of Ireland.
In contrast, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described Trump’s comments as “timely” and called on Prime Minister Varadkar to begin planning for Irish reunification. The prospect of a border poll on Irish unity remains a contentious issue. Earlier this year, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris declared that a referendum on reunification was “off the table,” a move that generated political debate.
The possibility of an Irish border poll is governed by the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, which grants the UK’s Northern Ireland secretary responsibility for calling a poll if it appears a majority would support reunification. Any constitutional change would also require approval by voters in the Republic of Ireland. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 protesters marched in Dublin opposing Trump’s visit, carrying banners and chanting slogans rejecting his presence.
Trump’s remarks come against a backdrop of ongoing sensitivities surrounding the UK-Ireland border and the future of Northern Ireland’s constitutional status, reflecting deep divisions among political leaders and communities on the island.