Trump Lifts Tariffs on Irish Whiskey Amid Unity Remarks

US President Donald Trump made an unexpected announcement during his two-day visit to Ireland that he was removing US tariffs on Irish whiskey. The news was met with cheers from crowds at the Amgen Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort in Co Clare, where Trump was presenting the trophy to winner Shane Lowry.

Trump had earlier doubled down on his comments supporting Irish unity, saying it was 'one of the naturals of all time'. He refused to comment further on a timeline for a border poll and avoided questions about Scottish independence. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there had been an 'overreaction' to Trump's remarks.

The 10% tariff on whiskey made in the Republic of Ireland sold into the US will be lifted, while whiskey from Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK remains tariff-free. The Irish Whiskey Association welcomed the announcement, saying it would continue to work with EU and US counterparts for a return to zero-for-zero arrangements.

Trump's visit sparked protests in Dublin and Clare, but Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said there would be 'no tolerance' of public disorder or attempts to impact critical movements. The Taoiseach met Trump at the golf resort and discussed investment in the area, saying Trump's remarks on Irish unity were not a surprise.