Trump Calls United Ireland 'Fantastic' During Dublin Visit, UK Vows Good Friday Agreement

US President Donald Trump expressed support for Irish reunification during a two-day state visit to Dublin on Saturday, saying he would "very much" like to see Ireland unite with Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom.

Trump made the remarks in a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. When asked about Irish unification, he said he did not "want to make any trouble" but added that he would find reunification "a great source of pride" and thought it would happen "eventually." "How can that be bad?" he said of the prospect.

UK: We'll Stick to the Good Friday Agreement

Downing Street quickly distanced itself from Trump's comments, saying the government would "stick to the Good Friday Agreement" — the 1998 peace deal that helped end the conflict in Northern Ireland and which stipulates that any change to Northern Ireland's status requires the consent of a majority of its people.

Trump later tried to walk back the comment, saying it was "one of those questions" with no good answer and that he had simply said he thought reunification "would be very cool." The remarks nonetheless caused a stir, as any comment about Northern Ireland from a US president carries significant weight given America's historic role in brokering the Good Friday Agreement. Protests were expected in Dublin and County Clare during his visit.