Donald Trump is unique among U.S. presidents, being the only one since John F. Kennedy not to claim Irish ancestry, despite Bill Clinton’s connections being somewhat tenuous.
Last week, however, President Trump embraced the longstanding custom of previous administrations, including his own, by designating March as “Irish-American Heritage Month.” “They’re great people,” he noted as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office, adding with a hint of humor, “and they voted for me in heavy numbers, so I like ‘em even more.”
While obtaining precise voting statistics can be challenging, there is some evidence to suggest that the voting tendencies among Irish Americans—long associated with Democratic labor union politics—are evolving. Maurice O’Sullivan, a retired professor from Rollins College in Florida, offers insight here: “The Irish are among the wealthier groups in the United States, and as people acquire wealth, they often become more conservative, becoming more protective of their finances.”
Furthermore, O’Sullivan points out, “Mainstream Irish Catholics have tended to follow much of the clergy, and our institutional clergy has been quite conservative.” The Pew Research Center has reported that churchgoing white Catholics cast their votes two-to-one for Donald Trump in the last presidential election.
Sean Spicer, who served as White House press secretary during Trump’s first administration, concurs, noting that Irish Americans have gravitated toward Republican politics as their wealth has increased. “They’ve transitioned from workers to owners over the last couple of generations,” he explained. “They find that the issues and policies promoted by Donald Trump and the Republican Party align more closely with their values now that they are in positions of greater financial responsibility.”
However, not everyone agrees with this perspective. Congressman Brendan Boyle of Philadelphia—the only member of Congress with an Irish-born parent—insists that the Irish American vote presents a more complex picture. “The descendants of the Ulster Unionists, or Scots-Irish, who migrated to Appalachia and the South have traditionally voted conservatively,” he noted. “Those who descended from immigrants arriving in urban centers like Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and New York have different experiences and, by extension, different political leanings.”
Despite these differing views, Boyle refrained from dismissing President Trump’s assertion that “many Irish are for him,” recognizing the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Ireland relationship, especially at a time when he perceives Trump as jeopardizing ties with traditional European allies. Notably, Trump’s abrupt cessation of U.S. support for Ukraine has sparked concern within the transatlantic alliance.
With rising global tensions, the question arises: are smaller nations like Ireland at risk of being marginalized as more powerful countries dictate the course of action? Taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to discuss these matters with Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
Sean Spicer emphasizes the need for respect in international relationships, stating, “Even if you’re a smaller nation, you are deserving of respect for the culture and the bonds that connect us.” He adds, “No other country receives the kind of attention that Ireland does in the U.S. around St. Patrick’s Day. Essentially, our entire government takes a day to celebrate the relationship between our two countries.” This moment is not conducive to airing grievances, he cautions.
Spicer also warns that without a strong, impactful stance on significant issues such as Gaza, Ukraine, or trade, Ireland risks delivering its critiques in a manner that might be perceived as unwelcome. “You might manage to get a word in,” he notes, “but it could very well be your last visit.”
For Congressman Boyle, the fraying transatlantic relationship represents “an enormously depressing moment.” Nevertheless, he expresses confidence that the Taoiseach, a seasoned political figure, can effectively navigate his dialogue with President Trump. “I hope this Taoiseach, who is quite experienced in the political arena, can articulate Irish objections to American policy—especially regarding Trump’s foreign policy—while ensuring the broader U.S.-Ireland relationship remains intact,” he shared.
Reflecting on the ongoing discussions, Boyle notes, “For years, analysts have predicted the demise of the special relationship between Ireland and the United States. I’ve been reading op-eds my entire life claiming that our close connection was on the brink of collapse. Yet, time and again, they’ve proven to be mistaken.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
