Trump Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Irish Prime Minister and a Shamrock Tradition

On the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day, President Donald Trump welcomed the Taoiseach of Ireland to the White House for a special reception celebrating the deep historical and cultural ties between the United States and Ireland. This annual tradition underscores the strong diplomatic relationship and shared values between the two nations.

The event took place in the East Room of the White House, adorned with green decorations and Irish symbols to honor the holiday. The reception featured distinguished guests, including U.S. government officials, Irish-American leaders, and representatives from both nations.

During his remarks, President Trump emphasized the enduring friendship between the United States and Ireland, highlighting the significant contributions of the Irish-American community to the growth and development of the country. He acknowledged the long-standing economic and political ties, affirming the commitment to strengthening trade and investment partnerships.

The Taoiseach, in his speech, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reflected on the deep-rooted connections between Ireland and the United States. He spoke about the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic cooperation, particularly in areas such as business, education, and cultural exchange.

A key highlight of the event was the traditional presentation of the shamrock, a symbol of Irish heritage and goodwill. The Taoiseach Micheál Martin presented an Irish-made crystal bowl containing fresh shamrock to President Trump at the White House for the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day 2025.

At the shamrock ceremony, Trump introduced various figures in his Cabinet with Irish heritage. A guest also held up a green 'Make America Great Again' hat. During the ceremony, Micheál Martin underlined Ireland’s investment in the United States and the work Irish people have done in the US.

“Just like our peoples and cultures, our economies are deeply interconnected,” he said.

The Irish Times reported that Martin said he hopes to build “ever-growing prosperity” on the “mutually beneficial two-way economic relationship” that exists between Ireland and the US.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump hailed “the long and unique friendship between Americans and the Irish” after being gifted the bowl of shamrock.

Trump said: “I love the Irish. I’ve had great, great friends over the years, and I love the Irish – special people – and I’ve been to Ireland many times.”

The presentation of shamrock to the White House has long been a symbol of the friendship between Ireland and the United States. This tradition dates back to 1953, when Ambassador John Joseph Hearne, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States (1950-1960), first presented a bowl of shamrock to US President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Since then, the ceremony has continued annually through successive administrations. For this year’s ceremony, the shamrock was provided by Living Shamrock, a company based in Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry. The fresh shamrock was grown and harvested for export with the required phytosanitary certifications.

The crystal bowl, presented to President Trump, was created by the House of Waterford, part of the Fiskars Group, known for its fine Irish crystal production.

The reception concluded with performances of traditional Irish music and dance, celebrating the rich heritage of Ireland. The event served as a reminder of the friendship and shared values that unite the two nations, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration in the years to come.