US President Donald Trump is set to spend the final day of his two-day visit to Ireland at a golf tournament before returning to Washington, following remarks on Irish reunification that drew criticism from political figures in Northern Ireland and Britain.
Trump surprised his Irish hosts and the UK government on Saturday when he said he would “love to see” a united Ireland. During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, he departed from Washington’s traditional position of neutrality on the issue, saying the reunification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland was “going to happen eventually”.
“It may as well happen now,” Trump said.
His comments prompted criticism from pro-UK loyalists in Northern Ireland and some politicians in Britain. UK minister Angela Rayner said on Sunday that Trump would speak his mind but stressed the importance of the Good Friday Agreement, the 1998 peace deal that largely ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
Under the agreement, a referendum on Irish unity can be held if the UK government determines that a majority in Northern Ireland is likely to support reunification. A separate vote would also be required in the Republic of Ireland.
Trump travelled to Doonbeg on Ireland’s west coast after his meeting with Martin. His family-owned Trump Organization operates a golf resort there, which is hosting the Irish Open.
The president is expected to attend the tournament on Sunday before leaving Ireland. His sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, are also accompanying him. The two have managed the family business since their father returned to the White House last year.
Martin told Trump that residents of Doonbeg were grateful for the investment made by the Trump Organization, which purchased the site in 2014. Trump described the golf course as “one of the greatest courses in the world”.
About 40,000 spectators are expected at the tournament, with six-time major winner and world number two Rory McIlroy among the biggest attractions.
Trump’s presence has added significant security demands. About 4,000 Irish and US personnel are expected to participate in the operation, which reportedly costs Ireland around €20 million ($23 million). Anti-drone technology is among the security measures being used.
The resort has been targeted twice by pro-Palestinian activists over the past 18 months. Three women were brought before a western Irish court on Saturday after being arrested over separate trespass and public order offences.
Trump’s visit has also renewed scrutiny of potential conflicts between his presidency and business interests. Financial disclosures show he reported more than $2 billion in income in 2025, compared with just over $600 million in 2024.
The White House has rejected allegations that Trump is using his
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