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US President Donald Trump traveled to Ireland’s capital, Dublin, on Saturday and met with the country’s leaders. He will also attend a golf tournament at one of his company’s resorts.
The visit is seen as a brief pause in Trump’s agenda, which has focused on the war in Iran and efforts by the Republican Party to retain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
Trump’s meetings with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin are not being held as part of an official state visit. However, the talks could cover economic issues and concerns raised by the Irish leadership over the war in Iran.
Ireland’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister welcomed the US president at Dublin Airport. Trump’s visit comes as the Republican Party campaigns to retain its majorities in both chambers of the US Congress.
The conflict in Iran has pushed up fuel prices across the United States, increasing economic concerns among American voters. Protests against the war and Trump are also planned in Dublin and in Doonbeg, where Trump’s Trump International Golf Links course is located.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has emphasized the economic importance of relations with the United States. He said ties between Ireland and the US are “very important” and that the relationship is “very, very significant” for both sides.
US companies employ approximately one in every 10 workers in Ireland. Irish governments have prioritized jobs and corporate tax revenues for many years.
Irish President Catherine Connolly, who was elected last year, is expected to have more direct contact with Trump in Dublin than during his previous visit. Eight US presidents, from John F. Kennedy through Trump, have visited Ireland.
Trump’s visit resembles weekend programs featuring golf at properties owned by his company. The Trump Organization took over management of the Doonbeg course in 2014, when it hosted the Irish Open golf tournament.
Trump is expected to present the trophy to the tournament winner on Sunday.
Ireland has long maintained close economic ties with the United States, particularly through investment by major US technology, pharmaceutical and financial companies. The country is also a member of the European Union, making its engagement with Washington relevant to both bilateral and wider transatlantic relations.
