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.
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.
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.
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