Donald Trump backs Irish unification during Dublin visit alongside Prime Minister Micheal Martin

Statements in Dublin

United States President Donald Trump endorsed the unification of Ireland during a joint press conference in Dublin on 12 September 2026. Standing alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump addressed questions regarding whether Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom to join the Republic of Ireland. He described that potential outcome as something he would welcome, adding that it will eventually take place. Later in the day, Trump delivered a speech at the United States Embassy in Dublin, continuing his 48-hour visit to the country. The trip coincides with Republican Party campaign efforts to retain control of both chambers of the United States Congress in the November elections.

Well, I do not want to cause any trouble, but I tell you I would love to see that unification. It will happen eventually. I think it would be a fantastic thing. Now, the United Kingdom will have something to say about that, but I think it would be a great thing.

British government response

The remarks drew immediate attention in London, where the British government maintained its existing policy regarding Northern Ireland. Downing Street declined to comment directly on Trump's statements, instead referencing earlier remarks from British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Burnham stated that a border referendum is excluded from current plans. The prime minister noted that there is no evidence of majority support for such a vote.

I am not aware of majority public support for another referendum, and until that situation changes, one will not happen.

Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which concluded three decades of conflict between Irish nationalists and unionists, a referendum on leaving the United Kingdom can only be ordered by the British government. British law specifies that such a vote may proceed only when it appears likely that a majority of voters in Northern Ireland would support leaving the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic meetings and local demonstrations

Earlier during the visit, Trump met with Irish President Catherine Connolly, who took office after winning election in 2025. Connolly previously protested against Trump's 2019 presidential visit outside Shannon Airport in western Ireland. Supporters of Connolly urged the president to defend Irish neutrality and oppose foreign military engagements. Outside the official meetings, anti-war demonstrations took place across Dublin and in western Ireland. In central Dublin, a 70-year-old demonstrator holding a message regarding the conflict in Gaza stated that the American administration should address international violence before commenting on Irish governance. Trump subsequently traveled to western Ireland to attend a golf tournament hosted at his family property, Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.

Polling data and political divisions

Polling figures in Northern Ireland indicate continued resistance to constitutional change. A survey conducted in May 2026 by the Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool recorded that 35% of respondents in Northern Ireland favor unification with the Republic of Ireland. While the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union increased political discussion surrounding unification, unionist parties in Northern Ireland remain opposed to any border poll. The overall balance of public opinion in Northern Ireland continues to reflect support for remaining within the United Kingdom.