Event
US President Donald Trump has renewed his support for unifying Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, dismissing Andy Burnham’s opposition to holding a referendum. Irish nationalists welcomed his comments, while the Conservative Party and Northern Irish unionists condemned them.
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The US president’s comments drew support from Sinn Féin figures and condemnation from Conservatives and Northern Irish unionists, while the UK and Irish governments urged a measured response.
Background
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his personal support for Irish unification during a visit to Ireland. The UK government said there was currently insufficient support for a referendum under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged a calm response. Sinn Féin figures welcomed Trump’s remarks; Conservatives and Northern Irish unionists condemned them. Trump’s comments do not themselves initiate or determine a referendum.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his personal support for Irish unification during a visit to Ireland. The UK government said there was currently insufficient support for a referendum under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged a calm respon
Fact cards
Key entities: Donald Trump, Andy Burnham, Micheál Martin, Micheal Martin, Gavin Robinson.
What did Donald Trump say? He said he supported Irish unification and believed it would eventually happen. Where did he make the remarks? During his visit to Ireland, including a joint press conference with Micheál Martin in Dublin. Can Trump call or decide a referendum? No. The
The Guardian Politics | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/13/donald-trump-doubles-down-on-support-for-united-ireland | published 2026-09-13T16:59:06.000Z | primary source | The Guardian Politics | Primary report of Trump’s remarks, UK and Irish government responses, an
2026-09-12: During his Ireland visit, Trump said he would “love” to see a united Ireland. 2026-09-12: The UK government said there was insufficient support to trigger a referendum under the Good Friday Agreement. 2026-09-12: DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Northern Ireland’s const
Timeline
During his Ireland visit, Trump said he would “love” to see a united Ireland.
The UK government said there was insufficient support to trigger a referendum under the Good Friday Agreement.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Northern Ireland’s constitutional future would be decided by its people.
Trump reiterated his support, saying “many people agree” with his position, and dismissed opposition to a referendum.
Micheál Martin said there had been an “overreaction” and urged a calm response.
FAQ
He said he supported Irish unification and believed it would eventually happen.
During his visit to Ireland, including a joint press conference with Micheál Martin in Dublin.
No. The constitutional future of Northern Ireland is governed by the Good Friday Agreement and the wishes of its people.
It said there was currently insufficient support to trigger a referendum.
Irish nationalists welcomed the remarks, while Conservatives and Northern Irish unionists condemned them.
The reported UK position is that there is not currently sufficient public support to trigger one.
He said Northern Ireland’s constitutional future should be decided by its people, not outside commentators.
The available material does not establish that it does.