Trump gets grilled on Dublin protests, then delivers an unexpected plot twist

DUBLIN, IRELAND: President Donald Trump, on Sunday, September 13, appeared in no mood to let protests overshadow his Ireland visit when an Irish reporter asked him about demonstrations against his arrival.

Instead of offering a detailed response about the scenes in Dublin, Trump abruptly shifted the exchange in a much more personal direction, leaving the reporter with an answer she was unlikely to have expected.

Trump's answer leaves reporter stunned

The president was speaking to journalists at Doonbeg golf resort when he was asked whether he had seen footage of the protests and what he thought about them.

Trump initially said he had not seen it.

Then came the unexpected turn. Trump told the reporter that she reminded him of someone before identifying the person as the late Irish singer Sinead O’Connor.

“You look like a very cute Irish singer Sinead O’Connor,” Trump told her, adding that he meant it as a compliment.

The reporter did not respond and appeared visibly stunned by the president’s seemingly unbothered answer.

The brief interaction provided a strikingly light moment against the backdrop of a weekend dominated by demonstrations over the president’s visit.

The video below shows Trump complimenting the reporter even as she attempts to question him about protests against him.

The interaction also came as a massive number of supporters gathered around the president at Doonbeg, with footage showing Trump being surrounded by well-wishers during his visit.

Trump also said his favorite part about being in Ireland was the Irish people, adding, “I love Irish people.”

Dublin protests draw thousands

Trump’s Ireland visit has drawn strong opposition, with thousands taking to Dublin’s streets on Saturday to protest his policies and presence.

The demonstration brought together activists, unions, political groups, and independent campaigners.

Palestinian flags appeared throughout the march, while protesters carried signs criticizing Trump over Gaza, immigration, climate issues, and US foreign policy.

Organizers claimed roughly 25,000 people attended, though media reports suggested the real turnout may have been considerably smaller.

Opposition was still visible on Sunday as demonstrators made their way toward Doonbeg, where Trump was staying.

Away from the protests, Trump also weighed in on Ireland’s political future, saying he considered bringing the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland together to be a natural outcome.

He characterized the comment as fairly routine, adding that he has “always loved” the Irish people and believes many others share his view.

Trump avoided answering directly when the subject shifted to Scottish independence, saying, “I won’t talk about Scotland yet,” while indicating he would address the matter later.