DUBLIN – President Donald Trump stunned observers during a high-profile visit to Ireland on Saturday, declaring that he would “love” to see a unified Ireland. The remark, delivered during a joint press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, prompted audible gasps from members of the press corps and appeared to catch the Irish leader off guard.
The U.S. president, who arrived in Ireland amidst one of the most extensive security operations in the nation’s history, suggested that the unification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is an inevitability that should be fast-tracked.
“Well, I don’t want to cause any problems, but I will tell you I’d love to see it unified,” Trump said, speaking at his official engagement. “I have friends on both sides, great people. They’re Irish people. How can they be bad, right?”
When pressed on the geopolitical complexities of the region—which has historically been divided between nationalists seeking independence and unionists wishing to remain within the United Kingdom—Trump doubled down on his sentiment.
“I’d love to see it unified. I think it would be a great feather in everybody’s cap if that happened. It’s going to happen eventually. You know what? The way I look at it, it’s going to happen eventually. It may as well happen now.”
The President signaled that he believed Taoiseach Micheál Martin was the right person to “get it moving,” while acknowledging that the British government would naturally have a significant say in any such constitutional shift. “But I think it would be a great thing. I mean, how can it be bad?” he added.
The comments land in an already sensitive political climate. Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham caused a diplomatic stir by asserting that a unity referendum was currently “off the table.” Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the decision to call a border poll rests with the UK Secretary of State, contingent upon evidence that a majority of the population would favor unification.
Despite the explosive nature of his political comments, the tone of the meeting between Trump and the Taoiseach remained officially cordial. The two leaders emphasized the historic and “very strong” relationship between the United States and Ireland, particularly in the realms of sport and commerce. Mr. Martin thanked the President for his personal interest in the region, referencing the President’s investment in the Doonbeg golf resort, which is serving as a centerpiece of the visit.
The trip is being managed under tight security, with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly warning that while peaceful protest is welcome, there will be “no tolerance” for any disorder that threatens the stability of the visit. As the President continues his two-day stay, his comments on Irish unity are expected to dominate the political discourse in London, Dublin, and Belfast for days to come.
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