But while the US has history on the island, Trump’s reasoning has seemed more personal than historical. The same EU which had been lauded for its protection of the Irish island in the last decade as another unpredictable neighbour tore up the neighbourhood. An Irish economic model so heavily exposed to the whims of one US administration is not structurally sound. Beyond this, Trump’s imperialist instincts and his visible disdain for international law and his willingness to use economic coercion run counter to Ireland’s foreign policy heritage, which has historically championed neutrality, diplomacy, and the rules-based international order. The last week should highlight a simple truth: US interests are not Irish interests.

Source: Irish Examiner January 24, 2026 05:30 UTC