President Trump hosted Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House on Wednesday, expressing the usual glamour and circumstances as trade disputes with Europe escalated.
Before St. Patrick's Day, Washington, who had touched the green on a traditional visit, was soaked in the greenery and soaked in Mr. Martin. But Trump gave no hints about retreating from the actions that caused the rift in the Transatlantic Alliance.
In the oval office, Trump, sitting next to Martin, opposed the European Union's trade policy and regulations on American businesses.
“The European Union treated us very badly and they have been around for years,” he said.
Martin largely won the backseat during the meeting, trying to avoid the fireworks that erupted in the White House two weeks ago when Trump rebuked Ukrainian President Volodymie Zelensky and made him ungrateful with US aid.
Three takeaways from Mr. Martin's visit.
The president showed no indication that he would change his tariff course.
The stock market has fallen. Top business leaders complain personally. And even some Republicans have expressed concern. But Trump said Wednesday there was no plan to change his strategy to wipe out his strategy.
In fact, Trump suggested that he might enact more steep taxes after the European Union announced billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs.
“Of course I'm going to respond,” he said.
He added that Ireland is also using the United States “of course” and is complaining about the imbalance in trade between the two countries.
Martin worked to avoid Trump's rage.
After Trump sparred with Zelensky, Martin tried to avoid conflict with President or Vice President JD Vance, who also attended Wednesday's meeting. Despite leaders opposed key issues, particularly Trump's trade policy and handling of wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Martin tried to avoid discord at every turn.
Asked if he plans to use bilateral meetings to lift Ireland's position on the Israeli-Gaza conflict, the Irish leader said, “The president is very suitable to know the whole situation. We share a president's unrelenting voice for peace.”
As Trump complained about Ireland seducing US pharmaceutical companies with tax credits, Martin stressed that Irish companies are also investing in the US.
“It's also a two-way street,” he said. He said Irish airlines Ryanair and Aelcup are buying “more Boeing planes than anyone else.”
“That's a good thing,” Trump replied, but he doesn't seem particularly enthusiastic.
Trump turned to some of his favourite topics: golf, fighters and feuds.
When he criticized the European Union, Trump spoke about the challenges he faced with getting approval from the bloc as he tried to expand Ireland's hotels and golf courses. However, this subject also served as an opportunity to trumpet family businesses from their seats of power in America.
“This is one of the most rated hotels in Europe,” he said of Trump International Golf Link in the village of Doonbeg.
Martin quickly changed the subject to praise Trump's fortune.
“I think there's a distinction that you are the only president who has physically invested in Ireland through Dawnbeg,” he said, adding, “It's just stunning.”
Trump thanked the tribute. “I love this guy,” he said.
The president also spoke in a positive way about Mixed Martial Arts fighter Conor McGregor when asked by reporters to name his favorite Irishman. However, this reference may not outweigh many Ireland's skeptics. McGregor has a series of legal issues, including being liable for sexual assault.
“I just happen to like your fighter planes,” Trump said. “He has the best tattoo I've ever seen.”
Finally, Trump dug out with one of his favorite targets, Rosie O'Donnell. A correspondent for Voices from Real America, a right-wing news channel, asked Martin why he would allow O'Donnell to move to Ireland.
Martin seemed to shrugged the question when he asked if Trump knew who he was.
“You better not know,” Trump said.
Megan Specia Contributed with a report from London.
