Trump hosts Irish PM at White House for St. Patrick's Day and peace talks

WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump hosted Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, also called the taoiseach, Wednesday, where issues such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza surfaced.

During the meeting, Trump reminded the press of his assertion that the European Union was created to take advantage of the United States, and that it includes Ireland, when asked about tariffs.

“Of course they are,” he said, adding that the EU is doing what it needs to for its countries, but it "creates ill will."

During remarks in front of the media, Trump said it is now up to Russia to decide whether there will be a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. He also spoke about the Department of Education's major staffing cuts.

Martin's visit is part of the annual White House meeting to mark St. Patrick's Day and celebrate tradition along with the bilateral relationship between the countries.

Before meeting with Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance hosted Martin and his wife for a St. Patrick's Day breakfast at the Vice President's Residence.

During the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon, Trump said the friendship between the U.S. and Ireland is "strong and unbreakable."

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson toasted the relationship between the two countries, and the Irish dance group "Riverdance" made a surprise appearance to round out the event.

Martin called Trump “a great friend of Ireland” and said he hopes to welcome him back to the country soon.

“We’re going to do this at least three more times,” Trump said of the remaining years in his term, to laughter in the room.

Ahead of his trip, Martin said he hoped to discuss how Ireland can work with the Trump administration "to end conflict and to secure peace, whether in the Middle East or in Ukraine."

"A lasting, durable and fair peace in Ukraine is something we all desire," the prime minister wrote on X. "We welcome the outcome of talks today between the US and Ukraine. A pathway to peace now exists."

Martin is the first EU leader to return to the Oval Office since Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a tense exchange on Feb. 28.

Since then, tensions have seemed to calm down as Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire deal with Russia.

The Taoiseach will also be meeting with Trump hours after the European Union announced it would impose counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to the president's 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S.

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The Associated Press and The National News Desk's Caitlyn Frolo contributed to this report.