Trump Announces Removal of 10 Percent Tariff on Irish Whiskey

General38 sourcesSep 14, 2026

BalancedFactual rigor 52/100

The Story

President Donald Trump announced his plan to remove a 10 percent tariff on Irish whiskey at the close of the Irish Open golf tournament in Doonbeg, Ireland.

Trump stated that everybody's been bugging me to lift the tariff, including Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and Irish Open winner Shane Lowry. The announcement was met with cheers from the crowd of spectators. Details on when the tariff would be lifted were not immediately available. Irish whiskey currently faces a 10 percent tariff, which was imposed by Trump on most imports from the European Union and reduced from 15 percent in July.

Trump had previously lifted certain tariffs on UK whiskey, including Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland, in April, attributing that decision to a request from King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their White House visit. Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, called the announcement another positive step toward reducing barriers to spirits trade.

Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, expressed delight, noting the US is their biggest market and the tariff had put pressure on the sector. He added that the association would continue to work for full tariff liberalization. The surprise trade move came a day after Trump stirred controversy by calling for Irish reunification. Michelle O'Neill stated that Trump's remarks put Irish unity on the table.

What they agree on

President Donald Trump announced his intention to remove a 10 percent tariff on Irish whiskey.
The announcement was made at the Irish Open golf tournament in Doonbeg, Ireland.
Trump stated that he was asked by multiple individuals, including Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and golfer Shane Lowry, to lift the tariff.
Irish whiskey currently faces a 10 percent tariff, which was previously 15 percent, on imports from the European Union.
Trump had previously lifted tariffs on UK whiskey, including Scotch, in April.

Where they split

Newsmax and The Daily Wire initially reported the tariff as 15 percent, while PBS NewsHour and Reuters specify it was reduced to 10 percent in July.
Breitbart News highlights that the tariff announcement came a day after Trump "stirred controversy by calling for Irish reunification."
The Herald (Scotland) and The National focus on unrelated Scottish golf business news, which is not part of the dominant topic of Trump's tariff remarks.
MENA FN (Middle East North Africa Financial Network) specifically mentions Michelle O'Neill's statement that Trump's remarks put Irish unity "on the table."