Trump reveals thoughts on Irish unification during Dublin remarks, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/video/6404976925112)
12-09-2026
During his visit to Dublin on September 12, 2026, President Donald Trump weighed in on the historically sensitive subject of Irish reunification while speaking to reporters alongside Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.Key details of his remarks and the reaction include:
- Trump’s Comments on Unity: Trump stated that he would “love to see it unified” and described Irish unification as “fantastic” and “a great feather in everybody’s cap.” He suggested that reunification is “going to happen eventually” and remarked that “it may as well happen now,” gesturing toward Micheál Martin as someone who could get things moving.
- Acknowledging the UK: While endorsing the idea of a united Ireland, Trump acknowledged London’s stake in the issue, noting, “Now the UK will have something to say about it, obviously. But I think it would be a great thing.” Later, during remarks at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Dublin, he added that reunification “would be a cool thing,” while noting that the question is one where “no matter what you say, there’s no good answer.”
- Departure from Diplomatic Precedent: The comments mark a notable departure from decades of official U.S. neutrality on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, a balance carefully maintained since the broker of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Under that agreement, a border poll can only be called by the British government if it appears likely that a majority in Northern Ireland would vote for unity.
- Political Reactions:
- Unionists in Northern Ireland: Strongly criticized the remarks. Leaders such as Gavin Robinson of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) reiterated that Northern Ireland’s future will be decided solely by its own people, not external political figures.
- Irish Nationalists: Welcomed the sentiment, with Sinn Féin leaders highlighting that the conversation around unity is actively gaining momentum.
- The UK Government: Reaffirmed its existing policy upholding the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, maintaining that conditions for a referendum are not currently met.