US President Donald Trump suggested a merger between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland during a Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington. The comment came as he addressed Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Trump stated that the two leaders get along well and expressed support for mergers. The remark occurred while a Unionist delegation, including representatives from the DUP and Ulster Unionist Party, attended events marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

The delegation aimed to highlight Ulster-Scots heritage. Emma Little-Pengelly described the comment as banter.

At an Oval Office press conference, Trump responded to questions about Irish President Catherine Connolly's view of a conflict involving Iran. He dismissed a question from a reporter and remarked that the Irish leader is lucky he exists. UTV Political Editor Tracey Magee pressed for clarification, prompting the response.

The delegation participated in St Patrick’s Week activities focused on investment and trade access. Northern Ireland leaders prioritized economic discussions amid potential US-EU trade issues.