Trump Reiterates Support for United Ireland During Golf Visit

Donald Trump focused on golf and promoting his business interests on Sunday, the second day of his visit to Ireland, while reiterating his support for a united Ireland.

The US president stated he loved making British politicians angry with his comments, which he called one of the naturals of all time. He added that he had so much support for his views. On Saturday, Trump had stated he would love to see a united Ireland, arguing reunification of the Republic of Ireland and UK territory Northern Ireland was going to happen eventually and may as well happen now.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Irish prime minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, breaking with Washington's traditional neutrality on the issue. UK minister Angela Rayner responded that "Donald Trump is Donald Trump and the president will say and speak his mind as he sees it," adding that the UK government remains really serious about the Good Friday Agreement.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch condemned Trump's remarks, accusing him of shooting from the hip as usual. Close ally Nigel Farage also disagreed with the president. Reform UK's treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick stated Trump shouldn't have weighed into British politics. Shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat called the remarks unhelpful. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement stipulates that a referendum on Irish unity can be held if the UK government determines a majority in Northern Ireland is likely in favor, with Republic of Ireland voters also needing to back it.

Trump also stated he would not talk about Scotland becoming independent yet, saving that for another day. He acknowledged that his remarks could prove controversial, conceding that it's one of those questions where no matter what you say, there's no good answer.