Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ireland on Wednesday for attracting U.S. companies with its low tax rates but pledged to work with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to address what he described as “massive deficits” in trade between the two nations.
The leaders met in the Oval Office before attending an evening event where Martin presented Trump with a bowl of shamrocks as part of an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration. They also participated in an annual luncheon at the Capitol.
The discussions—Trump’s first official meeting with a foreign leader since his contentious talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last month—touched on trade and the Gaza conflict. Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the United States and Ireland despite policy differences.
Trade Disputes and Reciprocal Tariffs
Sitting alongside Martin in the Oval Office, Trump vowed to respond to the European Union’s newly announced retaliatory tariffs, emphasizing that reciprocal measures on cars and other goods would take effect on April 2.
“Whatever they charge us, we’re charging them,” Trump stated. “If they charge us 25% or 20% or 10% or 2% or 200%, then that’s what we’re charging them.”
Trump also accused Ireland of enticing U.S. pharmaceutical and other companies through low corporate tax rates. While acknowledging that he respected Ireland’s strategy, he argued that past U.S. administrations should have taken action to prevent the offshoring of businesses.
Martin, in response, praised Trump’s personal investment in Ireland, highlighting his ownership of a golf course in Doonbeg. He reaffirmed Ireland’s dedication to trade and economic collaboration with the U.S.
“We’ve built prosperity through free and fair trade with partners all over the world, and particularly here in these United States,” Martin said at the evening event. “Let us continue to work together to maintain that mutually beneficial economic relationship that fosters innovation, creativity, and prosperity.”
Ireland’s Investments in the U.S.
During the discussions, Martin pointed to recent U.S. investments by companies with operations in Ireland, such as pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. The Indianapolis-based firm, which has operated in Ireland since 1978 and employs over 3,500 people there, recently announced plans to more than double its U.S. investments since 2020, committing $50 billion.
Martin also noted that Irish companies, including airline Ryanair, were increasing their investments in the United States. “It’s only fair … I think it’s a relationship that can develop,” he said.
Also Read | Duterte Acknowledges Drug War Responsibility Amid ICC Case
Trump echoed the need for balanced trade relations, stating, “There’s a massive deficit that we have with Ireland and with other countries too, and we want to sort of even that out as nicely as we can, and we’ll work together.”
While Ireland has not been directly targeted by Trump’s trade measures, it maintains a trade surplus with the U.S., and American-owned multinational companies account for a significant portion of Irish employment. As an EU member, Ireland is subject to any trade tariffs imposed by the bloc. Trump has also previously threatened tariffs on pharmaceutical products, a key sector in Ireland’s economy.
Differences Over Gaza
On the ongoing war in Gaza, Martin commended Trump’s efforts in the Middle East and Ukraine while acknowledging differences in their approaches. He emphasized Ireland’s calls for increased humanitarian aid and a two-state solution.
Trump, who has strengthened ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since returning to office, has stated that Palestinians should be removed from Gaza, at least temporarily, following a peace settlement.
Also Read | No Plans to Privatise BSNL, MTNL, Confirms Indian Government
Martin did not directly address Trump’s remarks on relocating Palestinians but reiterated Ireland’s push for humanitarian assistance and hostage releases. “Nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza,” Trump retorted when pressed on the issue.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was present at the Oval Office meeting, also hosted Martin for a breakfast at his official residence.
