Trump to Meet Irish President Amid Protests and Tariff Controversy

US President Donald Trump has arrived for a two-day visit to Ireland, marking one of the biggest security operations in the history of the state. According to reports, Irish authorities have been planning for Trump's visit for months, with thousands of people expected at protests in Dublin and a protest also planned in Doonbeg.

Trump Greeted Small Number Crowd

Trump was greeted His sons Eric and Donald Trump Junior are expected to accompany him during his visit to Doonbeg.

In a statement issued on Friday night in advance of Trump's arrival, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "I look forward to welcoming President Trump to Ireland and to discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States." He also expressed his hope that the visit would be a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season of sport, with the Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg set to take place over the weekend.

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Trumps Visit Comes Ireland One

Trump's visit comes as Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in the European Union and has been criticized for its stance on the issue. President Catherine Connolly, who has been critical of the US and shared Trump is acting "like a bully" over tariffs, will meet with him during his brief visit.

Trump will hold a courtesy call with Irish President Catherine Connolly as well as a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He will also attend events at the US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh's residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park.

In his special video message, Trump expressed his desire to watch the Irish Open and meet Rory McIlroy, saying: "There's nothing better than Irish-American friendship and I have a beautiful place over there - it's one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world." He also stated that he wants to see "Rory [McIlroy] and all the great players" at the tournament.

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"We're going to have a tremendous celebration. I think I'm going to come over and I'm going to see it and watch. It'll be something very, very special," Trump said in his message, which was broadcast on a large screen.

Thousands of people are expected at protests in Dublin and a protest will also be held in Doonbeg. Despite the security concerns, President Trump is not scheduled to be anywhere near the building where the American Embassy is located.

"We will have discussions with the president and there will be a reception in the American Embassy but I think he's also very anxious to get to Doonbeg and watch the Irish Open," Martin told the BBC's Borderlands podcast this week. "His visit comes during a remarkable sporting summer for Ireland, and the United States and this weekend's Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg will be a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season of sport, and I hope we will see an Irish winner lifting the trophy on Sunday."

In a statement issued on Friday night in advance of Trump's arrival, Martin also expressed his hope that the visit would be a positive one for both countries. "I look forward to welcoming President Trump to Ireland and to discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States," he said.