Trump says a unified Ireland would be ‘fantastic’ during Irish visit

While visiting Dublin, President Donald Trump told reporters he would like to see Ireland become unified, calling reunification "fantastic" and saying he believed it would happen eventually. He made the remarks beside Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who did not answer questions from reporters about the comment.

Officials in London signaled no change to their stance after Trump spoke. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Andy Burnham reiterated that a poll on Northern Ireland leaving the United Kingdom is not planned, reflecting Burnham's statement to parliament that he is unaware of majority public support for another referendum.

The issue is governed by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which allows a border poll on Northern Ireland’s constitutional status only if the British government decides to hold one. The accord brought an end to the decades-long conflict known as The Troubles, which was driven by nationalist and unionist divisions.

Responses in Northern Ireland were mixed. Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said the province’s future should be decided by its people rather than outside commentary. Opinion polling continues to show a clear majority favoring remaining in the UK, although support for unification has risen slightly since the UK left the European Union.

Trump's visit also drew public protest in Dublin and planned demonstrations near his Doonbeg golf course, with critics citing a range of grievances including US foreign policy, concerns about global stability, and the domestic costs of hosting the presidential visit. The president also met Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly during the trip; Connolly had previously taken part in protests during his 2019 visit.