Ireland's leading politicians have offered their congratulations to new US President Donald Trump upon his inauguration on Monday, January 20.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said on Monday morning that he "warmly congratulates" Trump on his inauguration, adding that he wishes him "success in his term in office."
The Taoiseach said: "This is a very important moment for President Trump personally and for the United States. As the torch of democracy passes peacefully from one leader to the next, I send him, and the people of the United States, my very best wishes.
"The government very much looks forward to cooperating with President Trump and his administration in the months and years ahead.
"In doing so, we will be building on the strong, enduring, and dynamic relationship between our two countries, a relationship that draws strength from our deep, historical people-to-people connections, the support of the US with peace on this island, as well as our growing and mutually beneficial economic relationship.
"The world faces many challenges including conflict, climate change, threats to democracy, and the need to secure economic growth and stability. As ever, US leadership will be essential if we are to confront these challenges together and to prevail.
"President Trump is, of course, no stranger to Ireland, having visited on a number of occasions. He has invested in this country and its people, through his magnificent golf links in Doonbeg. I hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome him back during his term."
I offer my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration today as the 47th President of the United States.
Ireland’s close ties with the United States are built on generations of shared history and a rich tapestry of connections between our peoples. pic.twitter.com/jO6yrnyIYS
— Micheál Martin (@MicheálMartinTD) January 20, 2025
In a separate statement, Tánaiste Michael Martin - who is set to become Ireland's next Taoiseach on Wednesday - also offered his "warmest congratulations" to Trump on his inauguration.
"Ireland’s close ties with the United States are built on generations of shared history and a rich tapestry of connections between our peoples," the Tánaiste said.
"On this historic day, the American people can be assured that Ireland will always remain a constant and reliable partner and friend.
"The relationship between our countries has matured into a rich, dynamic and mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. Our two-way economic relationship exceeds €1 trillion every year. Our task is to further strengthen this partnership, and to create sustainable jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
"I also think today of the long road to peace and reconciliation on this island, and of how much we owe to successive US administrations for their constant support for a brighter future for all on this island. In a world facing daunting challenges, international cooperation - through both bilateral and multilateral channels - is the only way we can address and resolve our common challenges, as well as our differences.
"I am looking forward to working with President Trump and his administration to further strengthen and advance our common interests and shared prosperity."
I offer my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration today as the 47th President of the United States.
Ireland’s close ties with the United States are built on generations of shared history and a rich tapestry of connections between our peoples. pic.twitter.com/jO6yrnyIYS
— Micheál Martin (@MicheálMartinTD) January 20, 2025
Notably, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste's statements were issued on Monday just as Trump was being inaugurated in Washington, DC, but before the new President delivered his roughly 30-minute inaugural address.
In his address, largely a rebuke of the outgoing Biden administration, Trump said: "For American citizens, January 20, 2025, is Liberation Day."
Trump, who is now the first convicted felon to be sworn in as President of the US, went on to outline the executive orders he'd be signing on Monday, some of which focus on illegal immigration, inflation, and placing tariffs on foreign countries.
President Trump also declared: "It will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female."
He also vowed to "pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars," which drew animated applause from high-profile supporter Elon Musk.
Afterward, Trump delivered a more 'off the cuff' speech in Emancipation Hall to an overflow crowd. In this second round of remarks, Trump touched upon what he said he was advised not to address in his earlier remarks, including January 6 and the last-minute pardons Biden issued.
Conor McGregor was reportedly among those in the crowd at Emancipation Hall on Monday. The Irish sports star, who was sued for sexual battery in Miami last week, has been pictured with British politician Nigel Farage and influencer brothers Jake and Logan Paul while in Washington, DC.
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