U.S. President Donald Trump met with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin on Saturday as he began a two-day visit to Ireland. The schedule includes official meetings with political leaders and a stay at his golf resort in County Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open golf tournament.
Upon arriving at Dublin Airport on Air Force One, Trump was greeted by Tánaiste Simon Harris. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Harris stated the visit highlights the “deep interpersonal links” between the United States and Ireland.
“He’s very much looking forward to getting to Doonbeg,” Harris said, according to a report from the PA news agency. “He’s a man who obviously loves golf, and he’s very proud of his Doonbeg resort.”
Following his arrival, Trump traveled to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the Irish president, for a meeting with President Connolly. Official reports indicate Trump received a ceremonial guard of honor before signing the visitors’ book and being introduced to dignitaries.
Later, Trump met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Farmleigh estate in Phoenix Park. In a statement issued before the meeting, Martin said he looked forward to welcoming the U.S. president and “discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States.”
While in Dublin, Trump spoke to reporters and commented on several international topics. According to Reuters, he addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating he expected it to end soon after the U.S. midterm elections.
When asked about recent attacks on a Saudi pipeline and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “Everything will work out fine.” He also responded to a question about home heating oil costs, suggesting that energy exploration in the North Sea would lower prices.
The president’s itinerary includes an event with American and Irish business leaders at the U.S. ambassador’s residence. He is scheduled to travel to his Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg for the remainder of his visit.
