President Trump hosted Micheál Martin, the Prime Minister of Ireland, in the White House on Wednesday, with a growing commercial dispute with Europe in the balance on the usual pump and circumstance.
The Washington official, who happened in Green, led Mr. Martin to the traditional visit before the day of San Patrizio. But Mr. Trump did not mention the contraction from the actions that caused cracks in the transatlantic alliance.
In the oval office, Mr. Trump, sitting next to Martin, blocked himself against the commercial policies of the European Union and the regulation of American companies.
“The European Union treats us very badly and have done so for years,” he said.
Mr. Martin mostly took a seat during the meeting, trying to avoid the fireworks that broke out at the White House two weeks ago when Mr. Trump reproached President Volodymyr Zelensky’s president of Ukraine, throwing him as little grateful for US aid.
Here are three takeaways from the visit of Mr. Martin.
The president did not show signs of modification of the course on rates.
The stock market has decreased. The best corporate leaders complain privately. And some republicans are also expressing concern. But Mr. Trump said on Wednesday that he had no intention of changing his strategy on large rates.
In fact, Trump suggested that he could establish steep withdrawals after the European Union has announced billions of dollars in retaliation.
“Of course I will answer,” he said.
He added that Ireland was “obviously” using the United States, complaining about the commercial imbalance between the two countries.
Mr. Martin worked to avoid the wrath of Mr. Trump.
After Trump saved with Mr. Zelensky, Martin tried to avoid a clash with the president or vice -president JD Vance, who also participated in Wednesday’s meeting. Although the leaders do not agree on critical issues, in particular Trump’s commercial policy and his management of wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Martin tried to avoid discord in every round.
When asked if he planned to use the bilateral meeting to increase the position of Ireland on the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Irish leader said: “The president is very suitable for knowing the entire situation. We share the unstoppable voice of the President for Peace. “
While Trump complained of Ireland who attracted US pharmaceutical companies with tax breaks, Martin stressed that Irish companies were also investing in the United States.
“It’s also a two -way road,” he said. He said that the Irish airlines Ryanair and ARCAP were buying together “more boeing planes than anyone else”.
“Okay,” Trump replied, even if he didn’t seem to be particularly enthusiastic.
Mr. Trump turned to some of his favorite topics: golf, fighters and feuds.
As he criticized the European Union, Trump spoke of the challenges he had to face to get approval from the blockade while trying to expand his field from hotel and golf to Ireland. But the topic also served as an opportunity for trumpet on his family from the headquarters of American power.
“He is one of the most appreciated hotels in Europe,” Trump’s international golf connections said in the village of Doonbeg.
Mr. Martin quickly changed the subject to praise the ownership of Mr. Trump.
“You have the distinction of being, I believe, the only president who physically invested in Ireland through Doonbeg,” he added, adding, “is simply amazed”.
Mr. Trump appreciated the compliment. “I love this guy,” he said.
The president also spoke favorably from Conor McGregor, the mixed martial arts fighter, when he was asked by a journalist to appoint his favorite Irish person. But the reference may not have won many skeptics in Ireland. McGregor had a series of legal issues, including being held responsible for sexual aggressions.
“I like your fighter,” said Trump. “He has the best tattoos I’ve ever seen.”
In the end, Mr. Trump dug one of his favorite goals: Rosie O’donnell. A correspondent for the right -wing news channel Real America’s Voice asked Mr. Martin because he would have allowed Mrs. O’Donnell to move to Ireland, after confirming this month he had moved there.
Mr. Martin seemed to shake off the question when Mr. Trump asked if he knew who he was.
“You’re better not to know,” said Trump.
Megan species Relationships contributed by London.