Trump Ireland Visit Draws Protests and Security Disruptions

US President Donald Trump made a two-day visit to Ireland on September 12–13, meeting President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin before attending the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort in County Clare. Trump said he would welcome a united Ireland and suggested Martin could help advance the idea, prompting renewed attention from unionists and the British government, which reiterated that any referendum on Northern Ireland’s status must follow the Good Friday Agreement and require clear public support. More than 10,000 people demonstrated in Dublin against Trump and his policies, while protests also took place or were planned in Shannon and Doonbeg over his record, alleged sexual misconduct, the Gaza war and US support for Israel. The visit prompted one of the largest security operations in Irish history, including road closures, airport and venue restrictions, drone limits, a maritime exclusion zone and canceled Garda leave; Trump’s helicopter and motorcade also disrupted play at the golf tournament. Authorities warned travelers of delays but kept airports open, while some Doonbeg residents credited Trump’s resort with creating jobs and economic activity.