President Donald Trump stated on Saturday, September 12, 2026, that he would "love to see" a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin. Speaking alongside Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, Trump characterized the potential unification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as a "fantastic thing" that he believes will happen eventually. He noted that the United Kingdom would have a say in the matter but expressed personal support for the outcome, later describing the idea as "very cool" during a press conference at Farmleigh House.
The visit comes as Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom following a century-old partition. While a 1998 peace accord, which involved U.S. mediation, largely ended three decades of violence between unionists and nationalists, the region's long-term constitutional status was not permanently resolved. Trump’s comments occurred during a trip that included a meeting with Irish President Catherine Connolly and a planned address to business leaders, ahead of his attendance at the Irish Open golf tournament at his resort in Doonbeg.
Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), responded to Trump’s comments by stating that Northern Ireland’s future would be decided by its own people rather than by external commentary. Robinson said Northern Ireland remains part of the UK by the "settled democratic will" of its residents and expressed confidence that they would continue to choose that status. In Dublin, some residents and student groups organized protests, citing Trump's past rhetoric and the disruption caused by security cordons at Phoenix Park.
For ordinary citizens, the visit’s immediate impact includes travel delays and public space closures in Dublin, such as the cordon around the 1,750-acre Phoenix Park. Long term, changes to Northern Ireland's status could affect legal rights, citizenship, and tax structures. Trump also highlighted economic ties, noting that Irish foreign direct investment in the U.S. reached nearly $392 billion in 2025, making Ireland the sixth-largest source of such funding.
The visit also underscores the intersection of presidential diplomacy and the Trump family's commercial interests. The Irish Open is the second European Tour event held at a Trump-owned property this year, following a tournament in Scotland. Trump confirmed he plans to return to Ireland in 2027 to attend the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick. Protests by environmentalists, pro-Palestinian groups, and anti-military organizations were expected during the weekend visit.