Trump told reporters he believes a united Ireland will happen eventually, describing Martin as the right person to help move the process forward. During their meeting at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park, Trump called the prospect of a united Ireland a fantastic idea, though he acknowledged the UK would likely have its own views on the matter, adding that he struggled to see how such an outcome could be considered negative.
Irish and Northern Irish Politicians React
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald responded to Trump's comments by saying the responsibility now falls on the Taoiseach to begin actively planning for reunification, describing Ireland's national path forward as one focused on an organized, peaceful transition toward unity. Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson pushed back, stating that Trump understands better than most how important elections are, and insisted that Northern Ireland's constitutional future should be determined by its own people rather than political commentary from London, Dublin, or Washington.
Robinson maintained that Northern Ireland remains part of the UK because that reflects the democratic will of its residents, adding he remains confident that will continue.
Former DUP MP Ian Paisley, a close ally of the Trump family, remarked that everyone is entitled to a personal opinion, even a mistaken one. Meanwhile, Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna welcomed Trump's remarks, calling it remarkable that even Trump now views Irish unity as a realistic possibility rather than a distant idea, suggesting the shift signals how far the conversation around unification has progressed. Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows acknowledged the importance of the US as an ally but emphasized that Northern Ireland's future rests solely with its people, citing the principle of consent enshrined in the Belfast Agreement. Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister was far more critical, accusing Trump of meddling in matters that don't concern him and insisting that Northern Ireland's constitutional status shouldn't depend on any foreign leader's opinion.
Ireland's Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said that any change of this magnitude could only happen with the full consent of the Irish people, describing it as something that requires continued work moving forward.
Trump Praises US-Ireland Relations Amid Large Protests
Later, while attending an event at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Trump was asked again about the prospect of a united Ireland and jokingly said there was no simple answer, adding that people would learn more the next day. He also praised the strength of the US-Ireland relationship, calling it stronger than ever. During his meeting with the Taoiseach, Trump emphasized the strong partnership between the two countries, saying relations between them had never been better, and noted that trade was among the topics discussed.
Trump arrived in Dublin on Saturday morning where he was met by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Foreign Minister Helen McEntee. President Connolly, who has been outspoken in her support for Gaza and who has in the past criticized US policy, said she told Trump straight up that the normalization of war and genocide was something she could never accept. Connolly said that, under pressure from left-leaning parties that supported her in the 2025 presidential election to raise the issue of Gaza, she stressed Ireland's unique historical perspective on conflict resolution shaped by its experiences with famine, colonization and the Troubles, and its long path toward peace, after meeting with Trump.
Irish authorities had spent months preparing for Trump's visit, organizing one of the largest security operations in the country's history. Trump departed for Ireland Friday night aboard Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC. This marks his third visit to the Republic, following earlier trips in 2019 and 2023.
Meanwhile, more than 10,000 protesters marched through Dublin to voice opposition to Trump's visit. The demonstration began near O'Connell Street and took 31 minutes to pass through the city center, moving past the GPO building, a longstanding gathering point for protests in Dublin. Although Trump had already left the city by the time the march began, organizers said their goal was still to send a clear message opposing him and his policies.
Among the demonstrators were Adrian and Tawnie, originally from California, with Tawnie describing Trump's presidency as a disgrace and an embarrassment, while Adrian criticized what he called Trump's allegiance to wealth and the billionaire class. Much of the protest's messaging focused on US involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict, a particularly sensitive topic given Ireland's strong pro-Palestinian stance within the EU. Demonstrators Angela Jennings and Margot Feely both described Trump's approach to the Middle East as reprehensible, with Margot pointing to the ongoing conflict in Iran as unnecessary and globally damaging. Another protester, Alison, said her message to Trump was simply that he wasn't welcome in Ireland.
Additional protests took place in Doonbeg, near the hotel where Trump was staying ahead of the Irish Open, where he was joined by his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr. The village saw a heavy police presence, road closures, and extensive Irish tricolor decorations. Sixty-year-old Jessie Phillips, originally from Tennessee but now living in County Clare, said she wanted Trump to see her protest sign and understand that neither she nor her family supported him. Jenelle Jones, originally from New York City, said she felt a responsibility as a US citizen to show that not all Americans support Trump. Caolann O'Dwyer, from nearby Lahinch, expressed hope that the protests might shift public opinion, criticizing what he saw as an overly enthusiastic welcome for Trump's visit.
