Trump meets with Irish leader Enda Kenny, declares 'I really love Ireland'
WASHINGTON — President Trump engaged in an early yet traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration Thursday, praising the historic ties between Americans and the Irish while ignoring current political differences.
"We are here today to celebrate America's commitment to Ireland," the new president said during the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon on Capitol Hill.
In an earlier photo opportunity at the White House with the leader of Ireland, Trump — who owns a golf resort on the Emerald Isle — said, "I love Ireland, I really love Ireland ... I'll be back."
Enda Kenny, whose official title is the Taoiseach of Ireland, said nothing during the hand-shaking photo-op, underscoring the ceremonial nature of the visit that downplayed any disputes.
Kenny, who has criticized Trump over his immigration policies, told reporters after the Oval Office meeting that he stressed the importance of the European Union. He said it and Ireland are prepared to work with the administration on issues like trade and immigration in face of criticism by Trump over current agreements.
"I said, Ireland will always be a friend of America," Kenny said. "The European Union will always be a friend of America."
Trump has questioned the need for the EU, and he backed Great Britain's "Brexit" from the alliance.
Another meeting topic, Kenny said: Trump's plans to crack down on immigration from other countries, including undocumented workers from Ireland. Kenny said he also pledged to work with the U.S. on this issue, and he advised undocumented Irish workers in the U.S. to clear up any "minor indiscretions" they may have committed, like unpaid parking tickets or traffic fines.
Kenny, who wore a bright green tie, also reported that he invited Trump to Ireland, and the president accepted.
Trump did not mention these kinds of issues in his remarks at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon. He instead focused on long-standing American-Irish ties, saying "we have built a bond that thrives, inspires, and endures."
The combative American president also cited an Irish proverb: "Always remember to forget the friends that have been untrue, but always remember the ones that stuck by you."
St. Patrick's Day is actually Friday. But Trump is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on that day, a conference postponed from Tuesday because of a snowstorm.
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