British politicians have sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump following his remarks expressing support for a united Ireland. The comments were made during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin as part of a two-day visit to the Republic of Ireland.
Trump, 80, stated that he would "love to see a unified Ireland" and that reunification "will happen eventually." He suggested it would be a "great thing" and "would be a great feather in everybody's cap."
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, condemned Trump's statements, accusing him of "shooting from the hip as usual." She added that "This sort of loose talk about the future of democratic countries is deeply unhelpful and creates unnecessary tension."
Even Nigel Farage, an ally of Trump, distanced himself from the remarks. "Northern Ireland is a proud and integral part of the United Kingdom," Farage said. "The people of Northern Ireland neither want a referendum, nor unification. I disagree with President Trump."
Unionist leaders in Northern Ireland also voiced their opposition. Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson stated that Northern Ireland's constitutional future will be decided by its people, not by commentary from London, Dublin, or Washington. He expressed confidence that Northern Ireland will continue to choose the UK.
Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, criticized Trump for what he called "meddling in the affairs which don't concern him," asserting that Northern Ireland is not a pawn in foreign dignitaries' political maneuvering.
Conversely, some proponents of reunification welcomed Trump's statements. Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), shared a clip of Trump's remarks, commenting, "In the last hour Donald Trump has announced that he is in favour of a united Ireland. It turns out that he isn't as orange as he looks."
During his meeting with Taoiseach Martin at Farmleigh Estate, Trump also commented on the Falkland Islands, warning that any conflict between the UK and Argentina would be a "disaster" but stating he could "settle it."
The former president's visit included engagements in Dublin, where he was also greeted by Irish President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin. The remarks on Irish reunification have highlighted ongoing political sensitivities surrounding the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.