During a visit to Dublin, former US President Donald Trump expressed his support for the idea of a united Ireland, suggesting that the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland could potentially be a “fantastic” development. Trump, who met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, stated that the union might as well happen now, although he acknowledged that the United Kingdom would play a significant role in the decision-making process.

The comments from Trump elicited swift reactions from both the UK government and Northern Ireland’s unionist leaders. A spokesperson from Downing Street reiterated that the current stance of the UK government is that there is not enough support to warrant a referendum on Irish unification under the Good Friday Agreement. Meanwhile, Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson emphasized that the decision on Northern Ireland’s constitutional future should rest with its citizens, rather than external political figures from London, Dublin, or Washington, maintaining his position that Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom.

Trump’s remarks represent a notable shift in tone compared to previous US administrations, which have typically maintained a neutral stance on the issue of Northern Ireland’s constitutional status. However, his comments do not signify an official change in US policy regarding the matter. Alongside discussions about Irish unification, Trump’s visit also covered topics such as US-Irish economic relations and other international issues.

Trump’s presence in Ireland sparked significant public response, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of Dublin to voice their opposition to his visit. Demonstrators criticized his policies and called for him to leave the country. Following his engagements in Dublin, Trump traveled to his golf resort located in County Clare, where he was scheduled to attend the Irish Open before heading back to the United States.