US President Donald Trump stated he would "love to see" a unified Ireland during a joint press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House in Dublin on Saturday.

Speaking at the start of a two-day visit to Ireland, Trump suggested constitutional change on the island was inevitable, remarking that "it's going to happen eventually" and "may as well happen now." He characterized unification as "fantastic" and a "great feather in everybody's cap," while gesturing toward Martin and stating, "you got the right man over here to get it moving."

The unexpected comments drew an immediate response from London. A Downing Street spokesperson reiterated the British government's position, stating that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham maintains there is no majority public support for a referendum on Irish unity in Northern Ireland. Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, a border poll can only be called by the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it appears likely that a majority of voters would favor a united Ireland.

In a statement following the press conference, Taoiseach Micheál Martin noted that Trump's views on Irish unity were already known, while stressing the importance of fostering stronger community ties and shared experiences across the island. Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows stated that Northern Ireland's constitutional status is a matter for its people rather than visiting foreign dignitaries.

Trump later acknowledged to reporters that his comments would generate debate, noting that the topic remains complex. The US President's itinerary in Ireland included a meeting with President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin before traveling to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, which is hosting the 2026 Amgen Irish Open.