Donald Trump ‘lining up visit to Northern Ireland’ amid border stalemate

Donald Trump is reportedly weighing up a visit to both sides of the Irish border this June, as questions on how the frontier will operate after Brexit remain.



The US President could combine a trip to the Republic, after accepting an invitation from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, with a flying visit to Northern Ireland.

UK and EU politicians have so far failed to find a solution in keeping the border open after Brexit if Britain leaves the customs union.

However the Sun on Sunday reports that allies of Mr Trump believe he could “focus minds” in the same way that Bill Clinton helped along the peace process with his 1995 Belfast visit.

The paper add that a “major figure” from Northern Ireland urged the Commander-in-Chief to make the trip to the province during St Patrick’s Day celebrations earlier this month.

“He absolutely loved it and wants to go as soon as possible,” a source close to the President said.

“The letter came from a major figure in the Northern Irish community and it has made him even more enthusiastic to go as soon as possible.

“He’s on his travels in June so it possible that a visit could be squeezed in then.”

The visit would mean the President setting foot in the UK months ahead of his expected State visit, which has been lined up for the autumn.

It would also narrowly avoid a clash with the Royal Wedding, due to take place on 19 May.