Trump Criticizes Ireland Over Trade Practices During St. Patrick's Day Visit

President Trump accused Ireland of exploiting low corporate taxes to attract U.S. companies, while Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin defended the mutual benefits of U.S.-Ireland trade relations.

During a White House meeting, President Trump accused Ireland of luring U.S. pharmaceutical companies with its low corporate tax rates, calling it a loss for the U.S. economy.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin emphasized the two-way nature of the trade relationship, highlighting Ireland's significant purchases of U.S. goods and investments in American jobs.
Trump reiterated his broader criticism of the European Union, alleging it was designed to exploit U.S. economic interests and vowing to impose retaliatory tariffs on EU goods.
The meeting, held ahead of St. Patrick's Day, included lighter moments, such as Trump joking about Vice President JD Vance's shamrock-patterned socks and praising Irish cultural figures like Conor McGregor.
Irish officials expressed relief that Trump's criticism focused largely on the EU rather than directly targeting Ireland, though concerns remain over potential U.S.-EU trade escalation.