Announcement at Doonbeg golf resort

US President Donald Trump announced the removal of import tariffs on Irish whiskey during a trophy ceremony on the 18th green of the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare. Speaking at the conclusion of the Amgen Irish Open, Trump presented the tournament trophy to Irish golfer Shane Lowry from Offaly, who won the competition by a record margin. Trump remarked to spectators that he had intended to leave in the morning but chose to stay and watch Lowry finish the tournament. Spectators at the venue cheered and chanted slogans following the tariff pledge. Irish whiskey exported to the United States currently incurs a 15% tariff under the terms of a transatlantic trade framework negotiated between the United States and the European Union in summer 2025.

Precedent and trade negotiations

The tariff decision follows an exemption granted in May 2026 to Scottish whisky, which had previously faced a 10% duty, following a state visit to the United States by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Trump had stated on Truth Social that the British monarchs encouraged the measure without directly making a request. Following that decision, the Irish Whiskey Association publicly urged the US administration to apply equivalent treatment to Irish spirits. Trump stated that he discussed lifting the duties directly with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin during his visit, addressing repeated requests from trade representatives and officials.

“Everybody's been bugging me just saying, would you do me a favor? It's so unfair what's going on. Could you possibly take the tariffs off of Irish whiskey? And I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off.”

Irish whiskey (standard EU rate)15%

Scottish whisky (rate prior to May 2026 exemption)10%

Irish whiskey (standard EU rate)

15 %

Scottish whisky (rate prior to May 2026 exemption)

10 %

Data from the article text

Diplomatic push for Irish unification

Alongside the trade announcement, Trump reiterated his backing for Northern Ireland separating from the United Kingdom to achieve a unified Ireland. Speaking to journalists at Doonbeg on Sunday, Trump reaffirmed statements made on Saturday alongside Martin at Farmleigh in Dublin, where he described unification as something he would love to see happen. Trump noted that he had raised the prospect of Irish unity during private discussions with Catherine Connolly and recalled inquiring about a merger on the island during St Patrick's Day festivities in Washington. When reporters asked whether Scotland should pursue independence, Trump declined to discuss the matter, noting that he would address it on another day.

“You have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the 'naturals' of all time is to put them together.”

Reactions from Dublin and London

Trump's comments on Irish unity drew objections from pro-British unionist politicians in Northern Ireland as well as political figures in London, while his two-day visit prompted a protest in Dublin. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that there is no majority support for a referendum on Northern Ireland leaving the UK and affirmed that no vote will be authorized. When told of Burnham's stance, Trump responded that unexpected outcomes often follow such assertions, while describing Burnham as a pleasant figure with liberal tendencies.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin characterized the reaction from unionists as an overreaction, noting that Trump holds a distinct viewpoint and sees unity as a logical configuration for the island. Over lunch at Doonbeg, Martin outlined the 1998 peace agreement that ended three decades of conflict between Irish nationalists and unionists. Martin stated that while he personally supports unification, conditions for an immediate border poll do not exist, and confirmed that his upcoming meeting with Burnham this week will concentrate on legacy issues and institutional reform rather than a constitutional vote.

“The chances are if one was held next week, it would find great difficulty in getting through.”