Trump thanked by Irish PM for affirming US and Ireland's 'tremendous bond'

Getty ImagesMicheál Martin presented the Donald Trump with a bowl of shamrocks, describing the ceremony as a unique symbol of friendship between the US and IrelandTaoiseach (Irish Prime minister) Micheál Martin has thanked Donald Trump for "affirming the tremendous bonds" between Ireland and the US during a meeting in the Oval Office.He met the US president at the White House as part of the leader of Ireland's annual visit to Washington DC for St Patrick's Day.During the meeting Trump said the "tremendous trade relationship" between Ireland and the US is "going to be expanded very quickly".He added it was a "great honour" to welcome the taoiseach and said the two would be discussing a lot of different subjects including trade.Every year the taoiseach makes a trip to the US and has an audience with the president at the White House."It's a great honour to have Taoiseach Martin – somebody that we know we get along with. We've had a very good relationship," Trump said.NI delegation arrives in Washington for St Patrick's DaySinn Féin will not attend White House for St Patrick's DayWhy is the US president given a bowl of shamrock?"We have a tremendous trade relationship with Ireland and we'll keep it that way. I think it's going to be expanded very quickly."Probably they want to talk a little bit about tariffs, but I won't mention that – you might want to be discussing that a little bit."ReutersTaoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin met US president Donald Trump in the Oval Office on St Patrick's DayDuring the annual trip the Irish leader presents the US president with a bowl of shamrocks, a tradition dating back to the 1950s.The meeting on Tuesday was dominated with talk about Iran and fighting in the Middle East.Taking questions from reporters Trump was asked what his message was to Irish people who are paying high energy prices because of the US-Israeli attack on Iran."I have a lot of friends from Ireland, they're very happy that I'm getting rid of… a nuclear power, a nuclear terrorist," Trump said."And as soon as that war is over, which will be soon, your prices are going to drop like a rock. You watch."PA MediaDelegates form the Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland attended a lunch at the US CapitolSpeaking at the meeting Martin said Ireland's connection to the US is foundational and historic."The Irish have helped to build America," he said."We're very proud of that connection and we think you hosting us here in the White House is affirmation to all the Irish-Americans out there and to our diaspora in this country for what they've contributed to America."Martin told Trump 23 US presidents had Irish heritage, to which Trump said the Irish were "great politicians".The taoiseach also said he would "love" to develop a legal pathway for migration between the US and Ireland.He has faced criticism from some about meeting with Trump following the US and Israel's war with Iran.Sinn Féin president Mary-Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill are boycotting the St Patrick's Day events in the US over that administration's policies in terms of Gaza.But Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly – who is attending – has described the boycott as a "missed opportunity".She said that "whatever your views of the president, when you have access to such an influential office you should not pass it up".PA MediaTrump said it was an honour to meet with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-PengellyIn his speech at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon at the US Capitol ahead of the shamrock ceremony Trump appeared to make a joke about Irish re-unification when he said Little-Pengelly and Martin "get along so well"."That's the way it's supposed to be," he said."I don't know if I should be promoting a merger. I love mergers. We're going to get into a little trouble."Later at the main St Patrick's Day reception in the White House he thanked Little-Pengelly for attending the celebrations and said it was an honour to meet her."We have an amazing celebration coming up – 250 years – America has truly been blessed by the luck of the Irish," Trump said.Martin then presented the US president with a bowl of shamrocks and described the ceremony as a unique symbol of friendship between "our peoples which is older than our republics".On 4 July 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of American Independence.Organisations across Northern Ireland were awarded a share of £250,000 to commemorate the contributions made by people of Ulster-Scots heritage to the Declaration and bonds that endure between the US and Northern Ireland today.Why is the US president given a bowl of shamrock?'Intertwined histories' to be celebrated in USA's 250th birthday yearIn pictures: St Patrick's Day celebrations around the worldRepublic of IrelandDonald TrumpSt Patrick's Day