U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to the White House on Wednesday for the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, using the occasion to accuse Ireland of benefiting unfairly from U.S. trade policies.
During their Oval Office meeting, Trump claimed Ireland, like other European Union nations, had taken advantage of the United States, specifically pointing to U.S. pharmaceutical companies shifting operations to Ireland due to favorable tax policies.
"Of course they are," Trump said when asked if Ireland was among the countries exploiting the U.S. economy. "I have great respect for Ireland and what they did, but the United States shouldn’t have let it happen. We had stupid leaders."
Martin defended Ireland’s role in trade, emphasizing that the economic relationship between the two nations was mutually beneficial. "It’s a two-way street," he said, adding that Irish airlines were among Boeing’s biggest customers and that over 700 Irish companies operate in the U.S., creating thousands of jobs.
Light-hearted moments amid tense trade talk
Despite the economic debate, Trump and Martin exchanged lighter moments. The U.S. president was briefly distracted by Vice President JD Vance’s shamrock-patterned socks, joking, "I’m trying to stay focused, but I’m very impressed with the VP’s socks."
Trump also made a quip about comedian Rosie O’Donnell’s recent move to Ireland, stating Martin was "better off not knowing" about her, referencing his long-running feud with the talk-show host.
As the meeting concluded, Trump was asked to name his favorite person from Ireland. He responded with mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, praising his tattoos. He also acknowledged Martin’s father, a former boxer, humorously suggesting that Martin himself looked "too smooth" to be a fighter. "I’m a pretty good defensive boxer," Martin replied with a grin.
Diplomatic ties remain strong
While the discussion highlighted economic tensions, Martin emphasized the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Ireland, suggesting both nations could work toward an enduring partnership.
The visit concluded with Martin presenting Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrocks, a longstanding St. Patrick’s Day tradition at the White House.
Read next
19:30
Energy Tensions
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
18:30
Sporting Celebration
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
17:30
Court Proceedings
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
17:00
Deadly Strikes
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
16:30
Nuclear Deals
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment