During a St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, US President Donald Trump accused Ireland of effectively "stealing" the US pharmaceutical industry and the associated tax revenue that could have benefited the US treasury. The remarks came as Irish Premier Micheál Martin sought to engage in a diplomatic meeting with hopes of avoiding controversy.
Trump alleged that Ireland's low-tax policies have enticed US multinationals to relocate operations, thereby depriving the US of significant economic gains. He stated that previous administrations had "lost big segments" of the US economy to Europe and reiterated his long-held belief that "the EU was set up in order to take advantage of the United States."
"I'd like to see the United States not have been so stupid for so many years, not just with Ireland, with everybody," said Trump, underscoring his dissatisfaction with how past policies have impacted the American economy.
Ireland's favorable tax conditions have indeed attracted numerous multinational corporations, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, which now significantly contributes to Ireland's economy with €72 billion worth of annual exports to the US. Taxes collected in Ireland on pharmaceuticals consumed in the US have become a substantial revenue stream for the Irish government.
Despite his criticisms, Trump expressed a desire not to penalize Ireland too severely, acknowledging the importance of maintaining support among Irish-American voters. He claimed strong support from this demographic, stating he had "won the Irish with a tremendous amount of [their] vote."
"I got it locked up pretty good unless I did something very stupid, like drained your country, your wonderful place of all of its companies," he remarked, indicating a balance between addressing economic grievances and maintaining diplomatic relations.
The meeting also touched upon broader tensions between the US and the European Union. Trump criticized the EU for implementing countermeasures on up to €26 billion worth of US imports in retaliation for Washington's tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports. He cited Apple's case as an example of unfair treatment by the EU, referencing the tech giant's €13 billion back taxes payment mandate to Ireland.
"Apple has been treated very badly … That is unfair," Trump commented, defending the company against what he perceives as unjust European regulation.
During their meeting, Trump alternated between jesting and commending Martin, demonstrating a grudging respect for the Irish leader despite the contentious topics discussed. Nonetheless, Trump's remarks delivered a blow to Martin, who had hoped for a more harmonious encounter with the US president.