LAST UPDATE | 7 Mar 2025

DONALD TRUMP HAS carried on an annual tradition, declaring March as Irish American Heritage Month in the US.

It’s a tradition dating back to 1991 for a country where almost 10% of the population – or 31.5 million – claim some form of Irish ancestry.

With a ‘Gulf of America’ map on display behind him in the Oval Office, Trump expressed fondness for the Irish as he gave the declaration his official approval – crediting them with helping to put him back in the White House.

“They’re a great people,” Trump said, “And they voted for me in heavy numbers, so I like them even more.

“You have to like it. You know, you’re not supposed to, but you have to like that,” he added.

In a press statement issued today, Trump said that the US and Ireland enjoy a “long friendship”

According to Trump, this friendship is strengthened by “economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom”. 

Trump’s proclamation last night called on all Americans to celebrate the contribution of Irish-Americans with “ceremonies, activities and programmes”.

Next Wednesday, 12 March, Taoiseach Micheál Martin will travel to the US where he will visit Donald Trump at the White House to mark St Patrick’s Day.

It’s part of its own long tradition of previous Taoisigh who have travelled to the US on 17 March – except for during 2022 when Martin tested positive for Covid-19 – and give the US President a bowl of shamrock.

Strained ties between the EU and Trump’s administration have heightened fears that this year’s visit could be trickier than most, but today’s minor tradition looks to have passed by without issue.

In a nod to next week’s visit, Trump’s said in his declaration this morning: “As my Administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations.”

The statement may be an indication that the Trump administration is seeking to get Ireland on side for EU-US trade negotiations.