Micheál Martin will wrap up his week-long visit to Washington DC on Friday with a series of final meetings in the US capital, as other ministers prepare to arrive in the coming days.
The Taoiseach’s agenda includes a visit to Hanley Energy, a company specializing in power solutions for data centers. This engagement aligns with Martin’s repeated emphasis throughout the week on Ireland’s role in the future of artificial intelligence, possibly exploring ways to expand data center capacity without compromising the national power grid.
Martin is also scheduled to meet with members of the Jewish community in DC, though the meeting has been marred by controversy after several attendees withdrew following comments from the Israeli ambassador labeling the Taoiseach an anti-semite.
Despite these tensions, the Government reportedly views the week of engagements as largely successful. US leaders extended warm welcomes to the Irish delegation, with President Trump offering positive remarks about Martin during their Oval Office meeting.
However, the cordial diplomatic relations appear unlikely to shield Ireland from the looming trade war between the US and EU. On Thursday, Trump escalated tensions by threatening to impose a 200% tariff on all wines and alcoholic products from the European Union if the bloc does not remove its tariff on whiskey.
According to The Breaking News, this threat comes in response to the European Commission’s announcement on Wednesday that it will implement counter tariffs on €26 billion worth of US goods starting next month. These measures were introduced following blanket US tariffs on steel and aluminum.
While the EU executive has stated it remains open to negotiations and considers higher tariffs detrimental to all parties, Trump’s aggressive social media post characterized the European Union as “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World,” claiming it was “formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States.”
As Martin concludes his American visit, the prospect of a damaging trade war looms over transatlantic relations despite Ireland’s efforts to maintain a diplomatic ear in Washington.