English with U.S. Government News – Trump Participates in the Friends of Ireland Luncheon 2025. 3. 12.

0:00 Speaker Johnson: Well, I hope you all enjoyed your meals. 0:04 We’ll get the program going again. 0:05 We have some of the busiest people in the world in the room, 0:07 so we want to be a good steward of your time. 0:10 I mentioned earlier that Irish-Americans 0:12 have left an indelible mark on American history, 0:16 and I had a few facts I wanted to share with you 0:18 this afternoon to have you consider these. 0:20 Irish men and women have taken up arms among American soldiers. 0:24 They’ve made unmatched contributions 0:26 to music and literature and the arts, 0:28 and they punch well above their weight in American government. 0:32 Many Irish nationals played an essential role 0:34 during the American Revolution. John Barry, for example, 0:37 was an Irishman who received the first commission 0:40 issued by the Continental Congress 0:42 and is considered the Father of our American Navy. 0:45 He later became the first Navy captain 0:47 to seize a British ship. 0:50 We had three Irishmen who signed our Declaration of Independence, 0:53 George Taylor, Matthew Thornton and James Smith. 0:56 One of the most recognized houses in the world 0:59 was designed by James Hoban, an Irishman from County Kilkenny 1:05 when he designed our White House. 1:07 And 23 of the 45 men who have served 1:10 as United States President 1:12 have Irish heritage, many of them proudly, 1:15 and same for hundreds of Congressmen and Senators 1:18 who have walked these hallowed halls. 1:21 Today we celebrate their contributions 1:23 and the truly special relationship 1:25 among the United States and Ireland 1:27 and the Irish people. So join me in a toast. 1:30 Here I am again without a glass. 1:32 I’m supposed to be toasting. I’m going to grab one. 1:35 Thank you. A glass of water, no less. 1:41 It works as well, and the toast is in… Hold on. 1:46 Man, I am really messing this up, 1:48 but we’re all friends here and I don’t know where it went. 1:52 All right, I’m just going to toast. 1:55 It was a beautiful toast. Trust me, it was great. 1:59 To the United States, to Ireland, 2:01 to this beautiful relationship 2:02 and to all who aspire to be Irish around the world. 2:05 Cheers. Solange, that’s right, that’s what I’m supposed to say. 2:12 I have the pleasure of introducing our own 2:15 Head of State here. 2:16 This luncheon offers an opportunity for both Americans 2:20 and the Irish to reflect on our past and on our future. 2:22 In 1981, Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Daniel Moynihan 2:27 and Speaker of the House, 2:28 Tip O’Neill started this great tradition, 2:31 the Congressional Friends of Ireland. 2:33 They aimed to celebrate their shared Irish heritage, 2:36 deepen ties between our two nations and promote peace 2:39 and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. 2:41 In 1983, the Friends of Ireland luncheon was born 2:44 when President Ronald Reagan, 2:46 of course, of proud Irish heritage, 2:49 and the Taoiseach visited Capitol Hill 2:51 to celebrate Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day. 2:55 This lunch was the embodiment of that, 2:57 of charity and friendship across political differences, 3:01 and it has led to real-world 3:04 international diplomatic successes. 3:07 Many historians credit the advocacy 3:09 of the Friends of Ireland Caucus 3:11 as essential in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, 3:15 and we welcome continued efforts to promote 3:17 and preserve this agreement and promises of a bright future 3:21 for the Friends of Ireland. 3:22 Last year, I hosted this luncheon 3:24 alongside President Biden. 3:26 Our political differences were on stark display. 3:29 It was obvious, that’s an understatement, 3:31 but he was our incumbent Democratic President 3:34 and I was the Republican House Speaker, 3:36 and still, we shared laughs at the table at this event. 3:38 It was one of the rare moments of the year 3:40 where we could do that. 3:41 That’s what this celebration is all about. 3:44 We laid down our swords and in the spirit of Tip O’Neill 3:47 and Ronald Reagan, we broke bread together 3:48 and celebrated what binds us all together, 3:51 rather than what divides us. This year is a little different. 3:54 Of course, the political dynamics on Capitol Hill 3:57 are extraordinarily different. 4:00 President Trump is back in the White House. 4:02 Republicans control both chambers of Congress. 4:04 Here in our form of government, we call that unified government. 4:08 A year ago, people thought I was crazy 4:09 for predicting that we would be here today, 4:11 but we are, and we’re facing a new dawn for America 4:15 and our bilateral relationships 4:16 and I know that we can look forward 4:18 to working together to promote and preserve our friendships. 4:21 It’s an important informative time 4:23 around the world to do that. 4:25 So in keeping with the proud US-Ireland tradition 4:28 and the spirit of the Friends of Ireland luncheon, 4:30 it’s my great privilege to present the 45th 4:33 and 47th President of the United States, 4:36 Donald J. Trump. 4:50 The President: Thank you. 4:58 Thank you very much. Thank you very much, everybody. 5:02 It’s a great honor. 5:04 I’ve been here just about every time. 5:05 We had one that was terminated because of a thing called COVID. 5:09 I don’t know if anybody’s heard of that, 5:10 but that was never pleasant. 5:13 And we would’ve been together twice, 5:16 but we had COVID interrupted twice. 5:18 And I appreciate seeing you again, however, 5:21 and you’ve done a fantastic job. 5:23 We very much appreciate you being here. 5:25 And I also want to thank my new friends 5:27 from Northern Ireland for being here, who I just met. 5:30 Thank you very much. Great honor. 5:36 And I must say, they spoke very well of you. 5:39 So that’s good. That’s good, and great to be with you. 5:43 And thank you to Speaker Johnson and thank you 5:46 to all of the members of Congress who are here. 5:49 Quite a few, most of which are Irish, 5:52 most of whom are Irish, and we welcome Taoiseach. 5:58 And I love the name because Micheal, 6:02 but it’s Michael, I said, 6:03 “How many people call you Michael? 6:05 It’s exactly Michael.” He said, “About 50%.” 6:09 I said, “Do you get upset when they do?” 6:11 He said, “No,” but I’m going to call you Micheal 6:13 because that’s the way it is. 6:14 Martin, who has really been terrific, 6:17 I’ve been with him quite a bit. I’ve spoken to him quite a bit, 6:21 and we’re going to have no problems. 6:23 And his wife, Mary, 6:25 we welcome you to America, fantastic people, 6:29 and it’s really a wonderful annual tradition being here. 6:33 We’re also grateful to be joined 6:35 by Irish Ambassador to the United States, 6:38 Geraldine Byrne Nason. Where’s Geraldine? 6:42 Hi Geraldine, thank you very much. 6:45 And the entire Irish delegation. 6:48 And I know everybody’s a little bit late today, 6:52 but that’s okay because we’re celebrating the Irish 6:55 and I think it’s okay we’re a little bit late. 6:58 I also want to congratulate a friend of mine, Ed Walsh. 7:02 He’s a great golfer. 7:03 He’s a championship golfer, actually. 7:05 Not quite as good as Rory, but that’s okay. 7:08 But he’s right up there. 7:11 He’s won many, many Club Championships, 7:14 many Club Championships, 7:15 and he is one of the best golfers you’ll ever see. 7:17 And congratulations. 7:18 Boy, you’re going to have fun over there. 7:20 He’s going to be the Ambassador to Ireland. 7:22 So congratulations, Ed. 7:24 Well, maybe it is thanks to me, 7:26 but you’re going to have a good time. 7:28 You’re going to represent us well. 7:30 He can do most of his business on the golf course too. 7:32 That’s a nice way. He’s got the best job of anybody. 7:35 And I really appreciate so many of my friends being here. 7:40 So many great friends here. 7:43 This afternoon we’re gathered to celebrate the deep 7:45 and abiding ties of history, family and friendship 7:48 that bind together Ireland and the United States of America. 7:52 The Irish-American Patriots 7:53 have been part of our national history 7:56 in our country’s earliest days, 7:58 amazing history they have with our country. 8:01 Irish-Americans fought heroically in our war 8:03 for independence, 8:04 served with honor in the crucible of the Civil War 8:08 and won fame and valor 8:10 among Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Rough Riders. 8:14 They were Rough Riders. 8:16 By some estimates, more than 2,000 Irish-American warriors 8:19 have earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. 8:21 This is an amazing statistic 8:24 because who would ever think that’s even possible? 8:27 It’s more than 50% of the Medals of Honor 8:30 were won by the Irish. I’m going to have to check that. 8:35 That’s an awfully good statistic. 8:37 We’re going to have to check what’s going on over there, huh? 8:40 But that’s an amazing statistic, actually, 50%. 8:44 This includes the great Audie Murphy, 8:46 the most decorated enlisted soldier in American history, 8:49 whose service in the Second World War 8:52 earned a Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, 8:56 three Purple Hearts and the Legion of Merit. 8:59 Quite a person. Became a movie actor. 9:01 The movie actor stuff wasn’t quite as good 9:03 as the soldier that he did, but he was great, 9:07 became a very famous person, actually. 9:10 America’s truly been blessed by the courage 9:13 and unstoppable spirit of the Irish. 9:16 Over the generations, Americans of Irish ancestry 9:21 have helped build our railroads and raise our cities. 9:24 And man, our factories enrich our culture 9:27 with art and music and literature. 9:28 We see that all over, and protect our communities 9:32 by joining the proud tradition 9:34 of Irish American police officers and firefighters. 9:38 A few have done more for the Stars and Stripes 9:40 than the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle. 9:44 And I can tell you, I know your father was a great boxer 9:47 and they have a lot of good fighters. 9:50 I know so many Irish fighters. 9:51 They like to fight and they’re good at it too. 9:54 But your father, his father was a great fighter, actually. 9:56 So that means genetically, 9:58 I’m not going to mess around with you. 9:59 You understand? I’m a believer in that. 10:02 But as you know, on Monday, 10:04 millions of Americans will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. 10:07 We love St. Patrick’s Day, maybe especially in New York. 10:11 Hundreds of thousands of citizens decked in Irish Green 10:13 will parade through the streets of Chicago, 10:16 Boston, Philadelphia, and of course, New York, 10:19 a site that I’ve witnessed many, many times. 10:21 In Manhattan, the people will stream up Fifth Avenue 10:24 and march past the magnificent, I see it so much and I love it, 10:29 especially when you’re looking down upon, 10:31 St. Patrick’s Cathedral because it’s to me 10:34 one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. 10:37 And it’s a monument not only to God, 10:39 but also to the Patriot Saint of Ireland, Patriot Saint. 10:44 It’s really an extraordinary testament 10:47 to the connection between our two countries 10:50 that after more than 1,500 years, 10:53 the shining legacy of St. Patrick’s 10:55 still rouses city blocks half the world away, 10:58 think of that, 10:59 and fills our people with incredible love and pride. 11:02 We have a lot of pride in that cathedral. 11:05 That cathedral is something, to me, so beautiful. 11:10 I think maybe my favorite. 11:12 They have larger, it’s very large, but they have larger, 11:14 but I think it’s truly one of the most beautiful. 11:17 The Irish spirit is truly alive and thriving in America. 11:21 And as we see today, 11:24 the friendship between our nations is strong 11:26 and it’s really unbreakable, and that includes all of you. 11:29 It’s all of you. We love you all. 11:33 So Taoiseach, I want to just thank you once again 11:36 for being here. 11:37 It’s an honor and hopefully we’re going to be doing this 11:40 at least three more times. Okay? 11:42 We’re going to be doing this three more times. At least. 11:44 And when I say at least, they go absolutely crazy. 11:48 So thank you very much for being here. 11:50 Mary, thank you very much for being here. 11:51 It’s a great honor. Thank you. 11:53 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, everybody. Thank you. 11:55 Speaker Johnson: Thank you. 12:15 Thank you, Mr. President. 12:17 Our next guest is not a stranger to this event. 12:20 However, this is actually the first time 12:22 we have the privilege of welcoming 12:24 the Taoiseach Micheal Martin. 12:28 I said that right. We were talking about that. 12:30 I’m Michael too, but that’s how we say it very plainly 12:32 and boringly in the US, 12:34 and it’s the same name over there. 12:35 It’s Micheal. I like it a lot better, 12:38 but we’re welcoming him to the Friends of Ireland 12:40 luncheon in person as the new Taoiseach. 12:43 And this is interesting because in 2021, 12:46 it was mentioned earlier, this luncheon was virtual 12:49 due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. 12:51 And in 2022, the Taoiseach was in town and slated to attend, 12:57 but he had a positive COVID diagnosis himself 13:00 and forced him to deliver remarks virtually once again. 13:03 So now, finally, finally, 13:05 we welcome him in person to this great event 13:08 and we’re so excited to have you in the Capitol, my friend. 13:11 I’ll welcome you to the podium now, 13:13 the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin. 13:28 Taoiseach Martin: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, 13:30 Chairman Kelly and Neil, Senators, 13:34 representatives, ladies and gentlemen, 13:36 I want to thank you all for welcoming me 13:38 and Mary to Washington DC to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. 13:43 And it is a good feeling to be COVID-free 13:46 and to be here on that day. 13:48 But may I in particular say I’m pleased 13:50 also to be joined with the Deputy First Minister 13:52 from Northern Ireland, Emma, Little-Pengelly. 13:55 Very pleased to have you here, Emma as well. 14:03 This is a cherished opportunity to break bread 14:06 with our most steadfast friends. 14:08 And as has been said, it’s now more than 40 years 14:12 since Speaker Tip O’Neill invited President Ronald Reagan 14:15 to the Capitol for the first St. Patrick’s Day lunch. 14:18 And thus began a very proud tradition, 14:21 which I’m honored to continue today in your esteemed company. 14:26 President Trump, thank you for joining us today 14:29 to mark our national day. 14:31 You are a great friend of Ireland. 14:33 And by the way, all those statistics 14:35 that you quoted are absolutely verifiably true. 14:40 I also know, President, 14:41 that there’s one small corner in the west of Ireland, 14:45 a beautiful and remote part called Doonbeg in County Clare, 14:49 which holds a very special place in your heart. 14:52 And we hope to welcome you back to our small island, 14:56 and indeed to these particular greens very soon. 15:00 Speaker Johnson, once again, 15:01 you have graciously gathered our dear friends 15:04 in this august house to Mark St. Patrick’s Day. 15:08 You too are a true friend of our nation. 15:11 We thank you for your hospitality 15:14 in what is a very busy week for you. 15:18 For centuries now, America has been a place 15:20 of welcome and opportunity for Irish people. 15:24 Our nation’s green has been threaded 15:26 through the rich tapestry of the United States 15:30 by almost 32,000,000 Irish Americans. 15:34 Their forebears left a very different Ireland 15:37 to the one we know today. 15:39 Many were fleeing the grinding poverty and terrible hunger 15:43 which blighted Ireland in centuries past. 15:46 They left in desperation, but also in determination 15:51 to forge a brighter future for their children. 15:54 They channeled that commitment 15:56 into building stronger communities 15:58 and ultimately a stronger nation, this great nation. 16:03 Many of their descendants are with us today, 16:06 true friends of Ireland, who continue to work powerlessly 16:10 for a future of peace and prosperity on our island. 16:14 Indeed, we need look no further than the co-Chairs 16:18 of the Friends of Ireland Caucus. 16:21 Our dear friends, Congressman Neil 16:23 and Congressman Kelly’s bold leadership 16:25 and vision unites Irish-American members 16:28 from both sides of the aisle 16:30 through the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus. 16:33 Throughout our troubles, 16:35 the Friends of Ireland, Republican and Democrat alike, 16:39 held fast to a vision of Ireland, 16:41 not marred by violence or terror. 16:45 You worked unrelentingly to realize that fragile hope. 16:50 You stood shoulder to shoulder with us 16:52 no matter how fierce the challenge, 16:55 and there were many such challenges. 16:57 And it is that same determination that together, 17:00 we must devote to today’s conflicts in the Ukraine 17:05 and in the Middle East. 17:07 And our shared history teaches us that peace, 17:11 however elusive it may sometimes seem, is achievable. 17:16 Its promise remains within our grasp. 17:19 Mr. President, we are forever grateful 17:22 for the United States’ contribution 17:23 to transforming our island. 17:24 And we wish you well in the efforts 17:26 that you are making to bring peace to the Ukraine 17:27 and to the Middle East and further afield. 17:28 We thank you for your leadership, 17:29 and indeed your ongoing friendship to Ireland. 17:31 Thank you once again for joining us today. 17:32 Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your gracious hospitality. 17:33 And thank you to our dearest friends in this room. 17:35 A very happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all. 17:36 As we might say in Gaeilge, 17:36 [foreign language 00:17:56]. Thank you very much indeed. 17:37 Speaker Johnson: Thank you again, Taoiseach, 17:38 and thank you, Mr. President. I am very excited 17:39 because we have a special treat for you all today. 17:40 Joining us to provide entertainment is the famous 17:41 Riverdance Irish dance troupe. They’re here. I know. 17:42 You didn’t know that was going to happen, did you? 17:43 See? We throw a great party. I told you. Let me give you 17:44 a little background on this. In 1994 during an interval act 17:46 at the Eurovision Song Contest, there was a seven-minute 17:47 dance routine that captivated the world. 17:48 From that stage in Dublin, Riverdance was born. 17:49 And in the more than 30 years since Riverdance has performed 17:50 more than 15,000 times on six continents in 49 countries, 17:51 they’ve developed quite a following. 17:52 Riverdance spread first through Europe, and then to America. 17:53 And along the way, they have shared the culture 17:54 of Irish music and dance to a generation of people 17:55 around the globe now for more than three decades. 17:56 And while we’re only receiving an abridged version 17:57 of the very famous show today, Riverdance is performing here 17:58 in Washington at the Kennedy Center through March 16. 18:00 The Kennedy Center was kind enough 18:00 to lend these exceptional performers 18:01 for us here for the afternoon. The stop in our nation’s capital 18:02 is the first of a 30-city nationwide tour, 18:03 and we encourage all friends of Ireland 18:04 and lovers of Irish culture to experience this incredible show. 18:05 You are going to get a little taste of that right now. 18:07 So please join me in welcoming these great friends of Ireland 18:08 to the stage, Riverdance.

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