U.S. President Donald Trump has made the grave error of referring to Ireland as a part of the United Kingdom.

Speaking to reporters at an emergency press conference after intense NATO talks, the comment was made as he was asked about Brexit and the prospect of protests on his UK visit.

Referring to his UK visit, which is set to begin today, Trump told the room of reporters:

"I believe that the people in the UK - Scotland, Ireland, as you know I have property in Ireland, I have property all over - I think that those people they like me a lot and they agree with me on immigration."


Trump had been using the time on the podium to alleviate concerns over protests during his time in the UK, saying that he was well liked, when he included Ireland in the UK pool.

The comments were picked up quickly online by Irish commenters insulted by the Donald's seeming lack of knowledge on basic geography.

Donald Trump coming to the UK and really likes the people there. Scotland, Ireland, he has property all over there. Hmm... #NATOSummit2018 — Jill O'Mahony (@DrJillMOMahony) July 12, 2018

.@realDonaldTrump just included Ireland in the UK. So like David Davis he has no idea that the Republic of Ireland is an independent country. All these small EU countries: how can a Big Picture guy like Trump keep up? — Gerry Hassan (@GerryHassan) July 12, 2018

@realDonaldTrump when you're president of a super power and don't know basic geography. Ireland is Not part of the "uk" 🇮🇪 — Van1llaGorilla (@MartinjKeane) July 12, 2018


@realDonaldTrump Ireland is not part of the UK, if you meant Northern Ireland be specific — Sinéad Í Dhubhshláine (@Naydubh11) July 12, 2018

Did he just call Ireland part of the UK? @realDonaldTrump #StableGenius — bacon world peace (@LBLynch) July 12, 2018

It's far from the first time a prominent public figure has alluded to Ireland as being a part of the United Kingdom.

We're more than used to our best sports-stars and celebrities being picked up as 'British' in the English media when they're on the rise, and 'Irish' when they're underperforming or in trouble.


Boxing fans were left furious after a Union Jack was used to represent Michael Conlan on BT Sport just last week.

In other news from this morning's press conference, Trump stunted expectations when he refused to comment on the UK's current Brexit turmoil.

When asked whether he'd like to see the UK pull further from the UK and opt for a 'hard Brexit', Trump told reporters "It's not for me to say", and stuck to this line when pushed harder for comment.

Considering Trump's comments yesterday referring to the UK as "in turmoil", it will remain to be seen whether he keeps his silence on the issue during his visit today.