Irish PM points out that St. Patrick was an immigrant while standing next to Trump
Thomson Reuters
"It's fitting that we gather here each year to celebrate St. Patrick and his legacy," Kenny said, while standing next to President Trump. "He, too, of course, was an immigrant."
Kenny met with Trump as part of an annual tradition of Irish leaders visiting the US on St. Patrick's Day, which has become a popular celebration of Irish-American culture in the US.
During the Friends of Ireland luncheon on Friday, Kenny reportedly spoke about immigration and post-Brexit unity, as well as longstanding cultural ties between Ireland and the US.
In addition, Kenny talked about the 50,000 undocumented Irish citizens in the US who may now be in danger due to Trump's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. While he did not directly bring up Trump's travel ban for six Muslim-majority countries, Kenny pointed out the legacy of new immigrants becoming an integral part of American society.
"There are millions out there who want to play their part for America - if you like, who want to make America great," Kenny said to Trump, according to The New York Times. "You heard that before?"
Trump owns a golf course in western Ireland and has said that he intends to visit the country again in the future.
Meanwhile, Kenny was criticized in Ireland for meeting with Trump at all - over 12,000 people signed a petition urging Kenny to cancel his state visit.
"We were the wretched refuse on the teeming shore," Irish prime minister says with Donald Trump in the room. pic.twitter.com/7jEfTVvIzE
- Barry Malone (@malonebarry) March 17, 2017
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
- New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
- Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
- Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley