Key Insights from Irish Leader Micheál Martin’s Meeting with Trump

On Wednesday, President Trump welcomed Micheál Martin, the Prime Minister of Ireland, to the White House, with an ongoing trade conflict with Europe casting a shadow over the ceremonial occasion.

Official Washington, adorned in green, honored Mr. Martin during the customary visit preceding St. Patrick’s Day. However, Mr. Trump showed no indication of retreating from policies that have created tensions in the trans-Atlantic relations.

In the Oval Office, Mr. Trump, seated alongside Mr. Martin, voiced strong criticisms of the European Union’s trade policies and the regulation of American businesses.

“The European Union treats us very poorly, and they have for many years,” he stated.

Mr. Martin generally maintained a low profile during the discussions, aiming to avoid the explosive exchanges that occurred at the White House two weeks prior, when Mr. Trump admonished Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, branding him as ungrateful for U.S. support.

Here are three key points from Mr. Martin’s visit.

The president displayed no intention of altering his tariff stance.

With the stock market experiencing a downturn and prominent business leaders expressing private dissatisfaction, even some Republicans are sounding the alarm. Yet, on Wednesday, Mr. Trump asserted that he would not alter his approach regarding the sweeping tariffs.

Indeed, Mr. Trump indicated that he might impose higher tariffs following the European Union’s announcement of significant retaliatory measures.

“Of course I’m going to respond,” he remarked.

He also pointed out that Ireland was “of course” benefiting from the U.S., expressing concerns about the trade imbalance between the two nations.

Mr. Martin aimed to avoid provoking Mr. Trump.

In light of Mr. Trump’s earlier fallout with Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Martin sought to sidestep any confrontation with the president or Vice President JD Vance, who was also present at the meeting. Despite their disagreements on critical matters, particularly regarding Mr. Trump’s trade policy and his approach to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Mr. Martin consistently sought to maintain harmony.

When asked if he intended to address Ireland’s stance on the Israel-Gaza situation during the bilateral talks, the Irish leader responded: “The president is very well equipped to understand the entire situation. We share the president’s unwavering call for peace.”

In response to Mr. Trump’s complaints about Ireland attracting U.S. pharmaceutical companies with tax incentives, Mr. Martin highlighted that Irish firms were also investing in America.

“It’s a reciprocal relationship,” he remarked, noting that Irish airlines Ryanair and AerCap were collectively ordering “more Boeing airplanes than anyone else.”

“That’s good,” Trump replied, though he seemed somewhat unenthusiastic.

Mr. Trump shifted to some of his preferred topics: golf, fighters, and feuds.

While denouncing the European Union, Mr. Trump recounted the hurdles he faced in obtaining approvals from the bloc to expand his hotel and golf course in Ireland. This topic also provided an avenue for him to promote his family business from the U.S. presidency.

“It’s ranked as one of the top hotels in Europe,” he noted about Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.

Mr. Martin quickly redirected the conversation to commend Mr. Trump’s property.

“You’re unique among presidents for having made a physical investment in Ireland through Doonbeg,” he added, calling it “magnificent.”

Mr. Trump appreciated the praise, saying, “I love this guy.”

He also expressed admiration for Conor McGregor, the mixed martial artist, when asked by a reporter to name his favorite Irish person. However, the mention may not have endeared him to many in Ireland, as Mr. McGregor has faced numerous legal troubles, including a sexual assault ruling against him.

“I do happen to like your fighter,” Mr. Trump commented. “He has the most impressive tattoos I’ve ever seen.”

Eventually, Mr. Trump took a jab at one of his well-known targets: Rosie O’Donnell. A reporter from the right-wing outlet Real America’s Voice asked Mr. Martin why he would permit Ms. O’Donnell to relocate to Ireland after her announcement earlier this month.

Mr. Martin seemed unfazed by the question, as Mr. Trump inquired whether he recognized who she was.

“You’re better off not knowing,” Mr. Trump commented.

Megan Specia contributed reporting from London.