Trump blasts Ireland on trade during traditional visit

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s annual trip to the U.S. for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations took an unexpected turn when President Donald Trump used their Oval Office meeting to criticize Ireland’s trade practices and the European Union’s economic policies.

“We have a massive deficit with Ireland,” Trump declared in response to the first question of the meeting, before launching into a broad attack on the EU’s tariffs and trade barriers. He vowed to retaliate against European levies on U.S. steel and aluminum, a move that could also impact Ireland’s economy.

While the exchange was not as heated as Trump’s recent confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Martin faced a firm rebuke from the U.S. leader.

There were lighter moments, such as when Trump teased Vice President JD Vance about his green-and-white shamrock socks, worn in honor of the Irish leader’s visit. However, Trump’s criticisms of Ireland remained pointed.

Trump’s Grievances with Ireland
Though Trump acknowledged his “great respect” for Ireland, he accused the country of exploiting low corporate tax rates to attract major pharmaceutical and technology firms.

“Ireland, this beautiful island of five million people, has the entire U.S. pharmaceutical industry in its grip,” Trump remarked.

The United States is Ireland’s largest export market for pharmaceuticals, with American giants like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson producing much of their supply there.

Trump also slammed the EU’s treatment of Apple, referencing Brussels’ multibillion-euro tax ruling against the tech company, which was ordered to pay back taxes to Ireland.

Beyond corporate tax issues, Trump aired personal grievances, expressing frustration over European regulations he claims have delayed the expansion of his resort in Ireland.

Trade Tensions Escalate
Turning his focus to the broader EU relationship, Trump reiterated his belief that the bloc was created to “take advantage of the United States.”

He confirmed his intent to impose reciprocal tariffs on EU imports in April, stating, “Whatever they charge us, we’re charging them.”

In response, Martin sought to strike a diplomatic balance, emphasizing Ireland’s investments in the U.S. and the benefits of a strong bilateral relationship.

“It’s a two-way street,” Martin said. “We’re committed to strengthening economic ties.”

While Trump agreed in principle, he quickly pivoted back to trade imbalances.

Diverging Views on Israel-Palestine Conflict
The two leaders also found themselves at odds over the Israel-Hamas war. Ireland, one of Europe’s most pro-Palestinian nations, supports a two-state solution. Trump, in contrast, has advocated for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza.

“We believe a two-state solution is the ideal path,” Martin stated, though Trump appeared unmoved by the position.

Despite the formalities of the visit, the meeting underscored deep divisions between the two leaders on trade, taxation, and foreign policy.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.