'Don't bow down to a dictator': Messages to Taoiseach on Trump visit

James Cox

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is facing a difficult diplomatic task ahead of his meeting with US president Donald Trump.

Mr Trump's fiery exchange with Volodymyr Zelenskiy has sent shockwaves through Europe, and Mr Martin will be the next leader to visit Mr Trump for the annual St Patrick's Day meeting.

Mr Trump announced a pause in US military aid to Ukraine after the meeting, in another sign of increasing US alignment with Russia.

While Mr Martin will look to emphasise Irish investment in the US, and the huge Irish diaspora, he is also under pressure to bring up Ireland's solidarity with Ukraine and Gaza.

Some people have even called for the Taoiseach to snub the White House invite.

In messages sent to the Taoiseach's Office, seen by BreakingNews.ie after a freedom of information request, members of the public urged Mr Martin to sit out the Washington DC visit.

One email urged Mr Martin to "stand strong taoiseach" and "don't bow down to a dictator, bully and felon".

If you don't attend and Trump attacks us as a country with tariffs then the world will see what kind of a weak person he is.

The message, sent on Monday, January 27th, read: "I am asking you taoiseach to not attend the White house this year on St Patrick's Day. And for no other member of the government to attend. The reason is that it is showing that you agree and side with Trump [sic] and his views.

"This person Trump is a bully and is hurting many people in his country and other places. I am 55 years old and have watched many issues from around the world happen and yet this issue I feel is one that I need you to solve by not attending.

"If you don't attend and Trump attacks us as a country with tariffs then the world will see what kind of a weak person he is. Stand strong taoiseach and don't bow down to a dictator, bully and felon."

A "proud Irish American" asked Mr Martin to cancel the trip after refugee resettlement programmes lost their funding amid the sweeping cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by the Trump adminisration.

"As a proud Irish American, I am asking you consider cancelling any plans you may have to continue the tradition of meeting the President of the United States at the White House on St Patrick’s Day 2025. Five days ago, funding for refugee resettlement programs were suspended."

The email continued: "In the name of my maternal grandparents and all Irish who came to my country as immigrants, refugees when Ireland could not sustain them during time of famine, rampant poverty, and political unrest I am asking you to take a stand. Stay home on St Patrick’s Day, have a pint, enjoy the parade, and do so with a clear conscience."

Another person asking Mr Martin not to attend the meeting cited Mr Trump's executive orders to limit healthcare for transgender people.

"In recent months, numerous US states have introduced laws that severely restrict the rights of transgender individuals, including bans on access to gender-affirming healthcare, limits on public accommodations, and measures targeting transgender youth. These actions not only endanger lives but also undermine the universal values of equality, inclusion, and compassion—values that Ireland has increasingly championed on the world stage.

"By choosing not to participate in official visits to the US this St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland could send a powerful message of solidarity with marginalized communities, reaffirming our commitment to human rights. Such a decision would resonate deeply with those fightingfor justice and inspire others to stand up against discrimination. I recognise the importance of Ireland’s relationship with the US and the significant contributions of the Irish diaspora there."

The person added: "However, silence or continued business-as-usual diplomacy risks being perceived as complacency in the face of injustice. We have an opportunity to lead with integrity, guided by the principles that underpin our identity as a nation.

"I respectfully urge you to reconsider this year's plans and explore alternative ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day that reflect Ireland’s unwavering support for equality and inclusion."

The Taoiseach is due to have a bilateral meeting with Mr Trump next week as part of an annual tradition to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Stance on Ukraine and Gaza

When pressed on whether he would bring up Ireland's stance on Ukraine and Gaza in the Dáil, Mr Martin told Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald that he would.

Pressed on what exactly he would say to Mr Trump on those two conflicts and “the Palestinian question”, Mr Martin said: “We want a peace settlement that’s durable and sustainable in Ukraine.

“President Trump wants a peace settlement in Ukraine. There are different perspectives on how to arrive at that.”

He added: “Secondly, in terms of Gaza and the Middle East, again, let’s be clear: We want to consolidate the ceasefire and we’ll be very strongly making that point.”

Mr Martin also called for “a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza”.