Trump Hosts Irish PM Martin for St. Patrick's Day Meeting

United States President Donald Trump hosted Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House on March 17 for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, where discussions touched on international tensions, transatlantic relations and economic ties. The meeting, part of an annual tradition, drew attention for several exchanges, including Trump's reference to Irish President Catherine Connolly using male pronouns and his lighthearted remark about a potential unification of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

During a question-and-answer session in the Oval Office, a reporter raised Connolly's recent statement that U.S. military actions in Iran violated international law. Trump responded, "Look, he's lucky I exist," apparently unaware that Connolly, who assumed office in November 2025 after winning election with 63 percent of first-preference votes, is Ireland's first female president. The 68-year-old independent, a former barrister and psychologist, has emphasized peace, neutrality and climate action in her ceremonial role. Martin, seated nearby, did not correct the remark and offered an uneasy smile as the conversation shifted to other topics.

The exchange also featured Trump's criticism of...