Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, has said she had “great engagement” with President Trump at the US Capitol.
She is attending celebrations for St Patrick’s Day along with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill is boycotting the event, along with members of the Alliance Party and the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
The Deputy First Minister spoke to the PA News Agency after the Friends of Ireland luncheon.
I had a really good conversation with the President. Of course, we started out discussing Ukraine and the need for a peaceful resolution to that situation.
But of course, we moved on to talk about Northern Ireland. He showed a huge amount of interest in Northern Ireland, a recognition of Northern Ireland – particularly the golf, it has to be said.
We talked about the longstanding relationship that the US has had with Northern Ireland has been obviously beneficial to Northern Ireland, but I think mutually beneficial to both jurisdictions.
– Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (via PA News)
US President Donald Trump was asked earlier today about the boycott by some parties over his stance on Gaza.
He said, “I haven’t heard that, I really haven’t heard that.”
The First Minister was in the US for several engagements earlier this week, including in North Carolina, with the Deputy First Minister and other Executive ministers
During her meeting with President Trump, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly presented him with a Royal Portrush Golf Club flag – where The Open is being held this year.
Engaging with President Trump this afternoon, ensuring that Northern Ireland is represented in Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/qRDRRbbtVc
— DUP (@duponline) March 12, 2025
