By David Kernan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
US President Donald Trump has accused Ireland of “stealing” American pharmaceutical firms and the associated tax revenues during a critical exchange with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the White House.
These comments, delivered at a press conference in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, have heightened tensions regarding Ireland’s low-tax strategies, which have successfully attracted prominent US multinationals such as Pfizer, Boston Scientific, and Eli Lilly. Trump emphasized Ireland’s achievement in drawing US companies, asserting that the nation now dominates the US pharmaceutical sector. “You took our pharmaceutical companies and other companies… This beautiful island of 5 million people has got the entire US pharmaceutical industry in its grasp,” he stated. The pharmaceutical industry, along with other sectors, significantly contributes to Ireland’s €72 billion in annual exports to the US, with taxes on medications consumed in the US being remitted to Ireland.
Despite his criticisms, Trump recognized Ireland’s diplomatic significance, indicating that he did not intend to jeopardize relations with the country, especially considering the robust support he receives from the American-Irish community. “I think the Irish love Trump,” he commented. “We won the Irish with a tremendous amount of [their] vote.”
Additionally, Trump reiterated his criticism of the European Union, alleging that it exploits its tax regulations to disadvantage the US. He referenced the EU’s legal action against Apple, which compelled the company to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, arguing that US firms have been unfairly treated by European authorities.
In contrast, Martin defended Ireland’s position, highlighting that the nation had contested the EU’s case against Apple in the European Court of Justice to safeguard American technology firms such as Intel, Microsoft, and Google, all of which have established their European headquarters in Ireland. He also noted that Irish companies, including Ryanair and AerCap, the largest aircraft-leasing company globally, acquire more Boeing planes manufactured in the United States than any other firms.
Trump clarified that his criticisms were directed at the European Union rather than Ireland itself, accusing the EU of engaging in unfair trade practices. He reiterated his frustration with the EU’s rejection of US agricultural products and its handling of American car imports. “We import millions of cars from BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagens, and others. But how many Chevrolets do we see in Munich?” he asked.
