Trump doubles down on support for united Ireland, dismisses backlash

US President Donald Trump reiterated his support for a united Ireland during a visit to the country, calling the prospect "one of the naturals of all time" and dismissing the diplomatic backlash his comments have sparked. Speaking to reporters on Sunday at his Doonbeg golf resort in County Clare, which was hosting the final day of the Irish Open, Trump doubled down on remarks he made the previous day in Dublin. "I have always loved the people of Ireland and it just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together," Trump said. He added that he considered his initial statement "a fairly routine comment" and claimed to have received "so much support on that." When asked about the diplomatic row triggered by his intervention, Trump told journalists, "I loved them." Pressed further on the criticism, he stated, "I love my comments." The president also declined to discuss a timeline for a border poll on Irish unity. Trump's remarks drew swift condemnation from unionist leaders in Northern Ireland.