WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson both spoke glowingly of immigrants on Wednesday, even as the White House calls migrants crossing the southern border an “invasion.”

“America has truly been blessed by the courage and unstoppable spirit of the Irish,” Trump said at the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon. “Over the generations, Americans of Irish ancestry have helped build our railroads and raise our cities and man our factories, enrich our culture with art and music and literature.”

“Irish Americans have left an indelible mark on American history,” Johnson said in his introductory remarks at the luncheon, noting that three signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland, as was the architect of the White House, James Hoban.

Alongside green dishes and pints of Guinness, praising the contributions of Irish Americans is standard fare at the Friends of Ireland luncheon. As in other years, the speeches at it were as warm and relaxed as a cozy Irish pub, even as new U.S. tariffs on European imports strain trade relations between the two nations.

The tradition of inviting the Irish taoiseach — the nation’s prime minister — to the U.S. Capitol for a midday meal on or around St. Patrick’s Day began decades earlier, when Democrat Tip O’Neill and Republican Ronald Reagan bonded over their shared Gaelic heritage.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin similarly had only kind words for his hosts before the crowd of around 50 U.S. lawmakers, diplomats and officials from Ireland and Northern Ireland. “You are a great friend of Ireland,” Martin said to Trump, before saying the same to Johnson.

Martin also reflected on what drove millions to leave the Emerald Isle for America so many years ago. “Many were fleeing the grinding poverty and terrible hunger which blighted Ireland in centuries past. They left in desperation, but also in determination to forge a brighter future for their children,” he said. “They channeled that commitment into building stronger communities and ultimately a stronger nation, this great nation.”

During his speech, Trump acknowledged the presence of the Irish ambassador to the U.S., Geraldine Byrne Nason, and asked where she was. Nason was seated at the president’s table, next to Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa.

The luncheon followed a meeting in the Oval Office with Martin, during which Trump credited the Irish government for coaxing some American companies to move parts of their operations there, saying Irish leaders had done a wise thing for their country. But he also dinged Ireland and the European Union for what he calls unfair trade practices.

“We do have a massive (trade) deficit with Ireland,” Trump said, wearing a pink tie rather than the typical green one when a taoiseach visits the White House around St. Patrick’s Day. “I’m not knocking it. … But it does create ill will.” He blamed America’s previous “stupid leaders,” with whom he said he is “so angry” over inflation and immigration policies.

“This country needed somebody to defend it. It’s this big, beautiful place that was being ripped off by illegal immigrants … We’re going to get them out,” he said, returning to his campaign promise to deport large numbers of people and praising the efforts of his border czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

As he prepares to implement “reciprocal” tariffs on foreign-produced goods, Trump said Washington imposing import fees will be “our turn.” Asked about the European Union — of which Ireland is a member — announcing new tariffs on U.S. goods, Trump replied: “Of course, I’m going to respond.”

Trump was asked if his administration planned to take action against Irish citizens who are in the U.S. without proper documentation. He quipped: “I think the Irish love Trump. … We don’t want to do anything to hurt Ireland.”

Martin, who is in his second run as Ireland’s prime minister, interjected at one point during the Oval Office question-and-answer session that his country is “investing a lot more in America,” pointing to companies like Ryanair, a low-cost airline based in Dublin, purchasing U.S.-made planes.

The two leaders were expected to discuss plenty of economic-related topics during the visit, including the promised reciprocal tariffs. In 2024, Irish exports to the U.S. outpaced imports by more than $50 billion worth of goods.

Martin’s office said in a statement that the prime minister and Trump would “focus on economic, political and people-to-people connections.”

Unlike during his last visit as prime minister, Martin actually made it to the Oval Office on Wednesday. In 2022, Martin tested positive for COVID-19 while stateside and quarantined at Blair House, a rowhouse near the White House where foreign leaders often stay while on official visits. He met with then-President Joe Biden virtually.

The luncheon ended with a performance by Riverdance, the Irish step dance troupe, which is celebrating its 30th year and currently performing at the Kennedy Center.

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