Trump says he’d like to see a unified Ireland as he visits for golf at his Doonbeg course

President Donald Trump said during a visit to Ireland that he would like to see the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland reunified, calling a unified Ireland “fantastic” and suggesting that it would eventually happen anyway. His remarks are notable because U.S. presidents have generally avoided taking a direct position on the politically sensitive issue of Irish reunification.

The question remains deeply tied to Northern Ireland’s history. Decades of conflict known as the Troubles killed roughly 3,600 people as Irish nationalists sought unity with the Republic of Ireland while unionists favored remaining part of the United Kingdom. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement largely ended the violence and allows for a referendum on reunification if it appears that a majority in Northern Ireland would support it. Britain’s prime minister, however, said there is currently no indication of majority support for such a vote.

Trump also addressed another sensitive British territorial dispute, the Falkland Islands. Argentina has renewed its claim to the British-controlled islands, and Trump suggested the United States might eventually be called upon to help resolve any confrontation. He also questioned whether Britain could retake the islands today as it did after Argentina’s 1982 invasion.

The comments came during Trump’s visit to Dublin and his Trump-owned golf resort in Doonbeg for the Irish Open. His visit drew protests and criticism from some Dublin residents, while his son Eric Trump defended the family’s presence in Ireland and emphasized the economic importance of the Doonbeg resort. The AP also noted that Trump’s appearance at the tournament continues a pattern in which his presidential activities intersect with events held at properties owned by his family.

Writers: Darlene Superville and Jill Lawless, The Associated Press.