Donald Trump expressed a desire to see Ireland and Northern Ireland reunite as one again during his visit to Ireland, causing dissatisfaction among anti-reunification groups and leading Trump to later clarify his remarks.
On Saturday, 12 Sep 2026, Donald Trump spoke to the media after discussions with Michael Martin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, stating that he would welcome and wants to see the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland become one again—a position that contrasts with the traditional U.S. stance.
Trump viewed this reunification as ultimately inevitable and described it as a "very cool" development and an important achievement for all parties involved.
Trump's informal statement broke with decades of U.S. diplomatic efforts to remain neutral on this issue; the U.S. has played a key role in mediating the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to end over 30 years of conflict and violence in Northern Ireland.
Trump's remarks were welcomed by Sinn Féin of Northern Ireland, which supports reunification. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the conversation about reunification has changed and the next goal is a peaceful and orderly transition to unity.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which also supports reunification, viewed Trump's comments as a clear sign that change is underway.
Conversely, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland, which favors remaining part of the United Kingdom, expressed strong dissatisfaction. Party leader Gavin Robinson emphasized that Northern Ireland's political future depends solely on the decisions of its people, not on critiques from London, Dublin, or Washington.
The DUP also stated that supporters of remaining in the UK reject the destruction of their country to join the Republic of Ireland and that the U.S. should help promote reconciliation rather than stir divisive issues.
A spokesperson for the UK government affirmed their continued commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, while Daniel Mulhall, former Irish ambassador to the U.S., described Trump's words as "highly unexpected."
Meanwhile, more than 10,000 people marched in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, to protest against the U.S. president amid the political controversy.
Later, Trump sought to ease tensions by stating at the U.S. ambassador's residence that he was merely answering a good question when asked about reunification but acknowledged it was "one of those questions where no answer is really a good answer."
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:ft