Trump praised Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, but also referred to the European Union as a competitor to the US that had been unfair to his country for decades.
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US president Donald Trump added Ireland to the list of countries he believes are taking advantage of the United States as he welcomed Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to the White House as part of the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Martin countered by highlighting Ireland’s contributions to the US.
Trump has been debating with both US allies and adversaries over trade, imposing tariffs on imports from countries like Canada and China.
During his appearance with Martin, Trump reiterated his belief that the European Union was created specifically to target the US.
When asked if Ireland, being an EU member, was also taking advantage, Trump responded, “of course they are. I have great respect for Ireland, but the United States should not have let it happen.”
The comments were related to Ireland’s tax policies, which have attracted a concentration of US pharmaceutical companies.
“We had foolish leaders who didn’t understand or were not businesspeople,” Trump stated. “Ireland now hosts our pharmaceutical companies.”
Martin responded that the trade relationship is “a two-way street,” highlighting that Ireland’s two largest airlines purchase more aircraft from Boeing than any other non-American entity. He also mentioned the presence of hundreds of Irish companies in the US, creating thousands of jobs.
Understanding Trump’s perspective, Martin also expressed the belief that the relationship can continue to develop and endure in the future.
This meeting was Trump’s first Oval Office meeting with a foreign leader since his recent encounter with Ukrainian president Voldymr Zelenskyy, which turned into a heated exchange over Ukraine’s invasion by Russia. The session ended with Zelenskyy being asked to leave the White House.
