Key facts
- Donald Trump said he would "love to see" a united Ireland and that it "may as well happen now."
- UK politicians, including Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, criticized Trump's comments on Irish reunification.
- The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement allows for a border poll if a majority for unification appears likely.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for Irish unification, stating it "may as well happen now," drawing criticism from UK politicians. Trump, speaking from his golf resort in Doonbeg, Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the unification of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, calling it "one of the naturals of all time is to put them together."
His comments, made during a visit to Ireland, have caused consternation. Robert Jenrick, treasury spokesman for Reform UK, called Trump "completely wrong" and stated he "shouldn't have weighed into British politics." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the remarks as "deeply unhelpful" and creating "unnecessary tension," emphasizing that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson asserted that Northern Ireland's constitutional future will be decided by its people. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement provides a framework for a potential border poll on unification, contingent on the UK secretary of state determining that a majority for unification appears likely and a subsequent vote in the Republic of Ireland.
Irish nationalists welcomed Trump's remarks, with Sinn Féin figures suggesting they reflect broad North American sentiment. However, the comments were awkward for the Irish government, which prefers to focus on cross-border initiatives, and for Northern Irish unionists.