Trump Praises US-Ireland Relations, Highlights Trade Imbalances
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the relationship between the US and Ireland is growing stronger, describing bilateral trade as “highly beneficial” for Ireland, but less so for the US.
Speaking alongside Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin following their meeting in Dublin, Trump praised the long-standing relationship between the two nations and stated that Washington would continue to maintain strong ties with Dublin.
“We have a strong relationship with Ireland,” Trump said, adding that the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the US has never been better than it is currently.
He noted that US-Ireland trade relations have been “highly beneficial” for Ireland, and Trump continued by stating that the relationship is not as advantageous for the US.
Trump mentioned that previous discussions with Irish President Catherine Connolly covered various issues, including energy supplies to Europe and Northern Ireland.
The US President said they also discussed Northern Ireland and acknowledged the complexity of inter-community relations on both sides of the Irish border.
Trump expressed support for the possibility of Irish unification, stating that he “does not want to cause any problems,” but would be “happy to see it united.”
Trump remarked that such an event “will happen in the end,” adding: “Now, the UK certainly has an opinion on that. But I think it would be a very good thing. I mean, how could it be a bad thing?”
The US President then touched upon trade relations with Canada and Mexico, defending his administration’s approach to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
When asked if he was considering withdrawing from the agreement, Trump dismissed the notion, stating that the US has a “real relationship with Mexico” and described a good relationship with Canada, though he argued it is economically unfair to Washington.
He accused Canada of exploiting the US for decades and complained about tariffs imposed on American farmers, claiming that certain Canadian tariffs reach 400 per cent.
Trump stated that Canada wishes to negotiate a new deal and hinted that an agreement could be reached “in the quite near future” if tariff issues and other matters can be resolved.