US media gives Martin favourable reports for 'awkward' Trump meeting
James Cox
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has come across well in the US media over his approach to Tuesday's St Patrick's Day meeting with president Donald Trump.
Martin pushed back on some of Trump's criticism of the European Union and also UK prime minister Keir Starmer.
Still angry at the UK's decision not the join his war on Iran, Trump used the Oval Office meeting to criticise Starmer who he said is "no Winston Churchill".
Martin told Trump Churchill had not been a friend to Ireland, before defending Starmer.
He said Starmer is a "very earnest, sound person” and he believes Trump has “a capacity to get on with” him.
“I just met with Keir Starmer last week, the British-Irish relationship is a very important one. Churchill was a great wartime leader, although in Ireland it was kind of a different perspective in terms of our own war of independence and so on, he created his own bit of difficulties for us. But that said, he was a great wartime hero.
“Keir Starmer has done a lot to reset the Irish-British relationship. I just want to put that on the record.
“But I do believe that he is a very earnest, sound person that I think you have a capacity to get on with.
“And you’ve got on with him before, and you’ve got on with other European leaders as well and I think you have that capacity again."
Martin also defended immigration in the European Union after Trump launched a familiar attack on migration policies.
The New York Times report that Martin "pushed back, gently" against Trump.
The report notes it was a "delicate balance" for the Taoiseach, due to the importance of the Ireland-US relationship.
Comparing the meeting to a recent one between Trump and German chancellor Friedrich Merz, The Times noted Martin's Oval Office outing contained "some awkward silence as well".
However, it praised Martin for calling for peace in the Middle East and defending European allies.
"Mr Martin walked a fine line. He denounced Iranian aggression, saying 'you cannot have a rogue state with a nuclear weapon,' and underlining that 'all European countries' have recognised Iran as a sponsor of terrorism. He also defended European responses."
USA Today focused more so on the musings of Trump, however, the report notes his misgendering of President Catherine Connolly.
"While meeting with the Irish prime minister at the White House, Trump was asked by a reporter to respond to Ireland’s president saying the Iran war is illegal.
“Look, he’s lucky I exist, Trump said.
"The president of Ireland is Catherine Connolly, who, like the acting Venezuelan president, is not a man."
The Huffington Post also focused on Martin's defence of Starmer in an "awkward" Oval Office meeting.
The report also praises Martin for defending Ukraine.
"The taoiseach also tried to appeal to Trump over Ukraine, as the president consistently – and falsely – blames Kyiv for starting the war.
"'The Russians did invade Ukraine, attack civilian infrastructure. The people of Ukraine just want peace and an opportunity to live,' Martin said. 'We want a peaceful resolution of conflict.'
"His remarks show how the tide is turning against Trump across Europe at a time when Nato is desperately trying to stay out of the US’s conflict in the Middle East."
Trump indicated he was hoping to visit Ireland while the Irish Open takes place at his resort in Doonbeg, Co Clare, in September.
However, The Washington Post report focuses on the tone of the meeting, claiming it dashes any hopes of a visit. The headline reads 'Trump attacks on European allies dash hopes for Irish visit'.
It reads: "Trump proceeded to bash Ireland and the European Union for tariffs and tax policies that he blamed for hurting the United States — an on-camera dressing-down that gave Martin little opportunity for a confidential appeal, nor much chance to get a word in edgewise."
The Post focused on Trump's criticism of US companies based in Ireland, while also noting Martin's defence of Starmer and the European Union.
