Thousands protest Donald Trump’s visit to Dublin

Thousands of people gathered in Dublin on Saturday, 12 September, to protest the visit of former US President Donald Trump to Phoenix Park.

During a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Trump remarked that a united Ireland “would be natural,” a comment that sparked a strong reaction from the media and demonstrators.

Protesters from across the political spectrum – including members of the Greens, Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, Sinn Féin and several independents – marched from O’Connell Street down to Molesworth Street. Some TDs, senators, councillors and MEPs joined as private citizens, while others led chants against the US leader.

The demonstration was described as relatively peaceful, contrasting with earlier fuel protests that shut the city centre for five days in April. Demonstrators linked Trump’s policies to rising energy costs in Irish households and criticised the government for offering a “red carpet” welcome.

Opposition figures such as TD Ruth Coppinger and Independent Senator Alice‑Mary Higgins used the platform to denounce Trump’s agenda and the government’s decision to host him, calling the invitation a “disgrace.” No Trump supporters were reported at the protest.

Source: Dublin People. Photo: Oriel Frankie Ashcroft / Pexels.