Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump is visiting Ireland for a two-day trip starting Saturday.
- Trump is scheduled to meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
- President Connolly has previously criticized Trump's policies and rhetoric.
- The meetings are not part of an official state visit but could include sensitive topics like economic issues and the Iran war.
- Protests are planned in Dublin and near Trump's golf resort in Doonbeg.
- Trump will attend the Irish Open golf tournament at his resort in Doonbeg and present the trophy on Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Ireland on Saturday for a two-day visit that includes meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at the Irish Open golf tournament. The visit has generated some anxiety due to Irish President Catherine Connolly's past criticisms of Trump's policies and rhetoric. Connolly, who has far-left views on foreign policy, previously protested Trump's 2019 visit.
While the meetings with Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin are not official state visits, they could touch upon politically sensitive topics such as economic issues and Ireland's concerns over the Iran war. Martin has stated the relationship between Ireland and the United States is very important economically, with U.S.-owned companies employing about 10% of workers in Ireland.
Trump is also expected to attend events at his company's Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open. Protests are anticipated in Dublin and near Doonbeg.