President Donald Trump landed in Dublin on Saturday, beginning a two-day visit to Ireland that's already raising eyebrows for how it blends presidential duties with his personal business empire. You see, the 80-year-old billionaire president is here not just for meetings with Irish leaders, but also to visit his own luxury golf resort in Doonbeg, where the Irish Open golf tournament is currently underway. Some experts are pointing out that Trump doesn't seem to see much difference between being the US President and promoting his family’s golf business, a habit he’s made no secret of since returning to the White House in January 2025.
This visit has kicked off a massive security operation, with at least 4,000 police officers and other personnel, including snipers, being deployed. Reports suggest the entire security effort is costing Ireland a hefty 20 million euros, about $23 million. This is happening at a time when the country is already dealing with a significant policing operation for its six-month presidency of the European Union. It’s a lot of money to ensure one man’s visit goes smoothly, especially when thousands of anti-Trump protesters are also expected to rally in Dublin.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Ireland's taoiseach, or prime minister, Micheal Martin. Their talks are expected to cover serious international issues like the Middle East conflict, including America’s war against Iran, and trade disputes over US tariffs on EU pharmaceuticals. These are important discussions. However, the backdrop of Trump's personal business interests is hard to ignore. He has a history of blending these, having previously hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry resort in Scotland.
He even inaugurated another golf course bearing his name in Aberdeen.
What might make things particularly interesting is Trump’s planned meeting with Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly. While Martin is a seasoned politician who might navigate the diplomatic complexities, President Connolly is known to be on the left. She has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past. She famously protested his last visit in 2019. While she'll likely be aware of the need to maintain good relations, her supporters will be watching to see if she makes a statement.
One political scientist described the meeting as likely to be "short and courteous," hinting at a polite but potentially tense exchange.
Away from the diplomatic meetings, the real draw for many, including Trump himself, is the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort. The tournament features top golfers, including the highly popular world number two, Rory McIlroy. McIlroy, who has played golf with Trump before, admitted the tournament will feel "different" with the US President present. He stated the players would simply "keep our heads down and play." Trump, a known golf enthusiast whose relationship with the game's rules has been famously documented, might even present the trophy on Sunday. His ownership of the Doonbeg resort, which his company bought in 2014, adds a unique layer to this presidential trip.